He just got the number '99' added to his extensive tattoo collection to mark one of the happiest years of his life. And it is safe to say that David Beckham's love of body art will see him squeeze many more inkings into his already intricately decorated physique.

Now as the 40-year-old sporting superstar has as many designs as years on the clock, MailOnline takes a look at how his love of body art has grown over the past few decades - and what each tattoo means to him…

Most recently, David got the number '99' tattooed on his little finger to mark the year he got married to wife Victoria.

Debuting it on Instagram, the retired footballer wrote, '99 was a good year for me.

Weeks before that, he had the words Pretty Lady inked above his daughter's name Harper on his neck, in honor of his Harper's fourth birthday. David first went under the needle in 1999 after the birth of his oldest son, Brooklyn.

Tattoo lover: It is safe to say that David Beckham love of body art will see him squeeze many more inkings into his already well-decorated physique


He is thought to have caught the bug from Spice Girl Mel B’s then husband, Jimmy Gulzar, and ended up getting his son’s name in a classic Gothic script to commemorate Brooklyn’s arrival into the world.

In 2000, he was back at the tattoo studio and emerged with a large guardian angel in the middle of his upper back.



The sweet idea behind the design is that the angel is watching over Brooklyn’s name below

Just for you: Most recently, David got the number '99' tattooed on his little finger to mark the year he got married to wife Victoria

His lovely lady: Weeks before that, he had the words Pretty Lady inked above his daughter's name Harper on his neck, in honour of his Harper's fourth birthday


In the same year, David pledged his devotion to wife Victoria with a tattoo of her name in Hindi script. Experts later pointed out the tribute, unfortunately, actually said 'Vihctoria'.



After the birth of their second son Romeo in 2002, David added his name above the guardian angel - which had been tweaked and given impressive wings.



Shortly after his Romeo addition, David chose to get the number 7 tattooed on to his inner arm in Roman numerals. As football fans will know, the number is special to the former midfielder as it’s the number on his shirt for Manchester United and England.



In 2003, he got a Latin inking on left inner arm reading ‘So that I love and cherish’ and ‘Spiritual perfection’ onto his right.

Starting out: David first went under the needle in 1999 after the birth of his oldest son, Brooklyn, having his name tattooed at the bottom of his back. He followed that design with tributes to his other sons, Romeo and Cruz
What an angel: The footballer then followed his Brooklyn tattoo with a guardian angel, which he added wings to during a later session

The thought was there: Inn 2000, David opted to have his wife’s name tattooed in Hindi on his left arm, unfortunately for him, the artist spelled her name 'Vihctoria'



David took a break for several years, before having the number 7 – his shirt number for Man United and England – inked on right forearm in 2002

Sign of the cross: Another religious emblem came in 2004, when he added a winged cross to the nape of his neck



Out on a limb: David couldn't resist indulging in another inking the same year, this time a large portrait of an angel with the words 'In the face of adversity'
becks16And another: The footballer has 'Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and hour depend upon heaven' written in Chinese script along his left side. This design came in 2008

Holy moly: The star continued with his religious theme and added a portrait of Jesus Christ in 2010. The image is based on a painting called The Man Of Sorrows by Catholic artist Matthew R. Brooks and is believed to be another tribute to his grandad, who passed away the year before.

For all the pictures and the exclusive report click HERE [url][/url]http://www.nairaroot.com/david-beckhams-rare-40-special-must-see-tattoos-and-the-meaning-behind-each-arts/#.VcFkBsj23IU

Claims best known to him!

Body cancer accumulating gradually

Overhyped Player from England....

wow

Damn, he try. Still a legend though!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-FARvRqSUs

I don't know why African teams do wake up at the wrong time. The winning against Brazil is a total waste. But all the same congratulations to the indomitable Lions for defeating the almighty Samba boys of Brazil.