Sir David Beckham, the celebrated 51-year-old former England footballer, is making his debut in the hugely popular video game Fortnite. His likeness will be integrated into the game as a new playable character, complete with a range of outfits designed to reflect his distinctive style both on and off the pitch. This collaboration marks Beckham's entry into the Fortnite Icon Series, a collection that features notable figures from various fields.
Among the available customisations, players will find a suave black suit, referred to as the 'Club Owner' outfit, which is adorned with a club crest. Additionally, a football kit showcasing his signature number seven shirt will be available. A trailer released by Fortnite highlighted the former midfielder scoring a goal with significant force, showcasing the character's capabilities within the game.
One particularly eye-catching option allows players to select a shirtless version of Beckham, revealing his glowing gold tattoos across his arms, torso, neck, and hands. These tattoos are 'reactive', meaning they will illuminate with every elimination achieved in the game. Furthermore, players can replicate Beckham's famous free-kick technique, often dubbed 'Bend it like Beckham', through a special 'Shot Emote'. The collaboration also introduces in-game tools such as the 'Meteor Baller Pickaxe' and the 'Number Seven Scythe Pickaxe'.
Sir David expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Fortnite creates new and exciting ways to connect with fans around the world. It’s been great working with them to create something that celebrates my career on and off the pitch." He had previously hinted at his involvement on Instagram, sharing images of himself contributing to his character's design. This venture marks Beckham's first collaboration with Fortnite, following in the footsteps of other footballing legends such as Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Marco Reus.
Known for his illustrious two-decade career, the London-born star holds the distinction of being the first English player to secure league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France. While this is his first appearance in Fortnite, Beckham has a history of featuring in video games, most notably as a playable character across numerous instalments of EA's FIFA football franchise. His character is set to become available in the Fortnite Icon Series from 1am BST on 18 July.