In 2004, I first wrote about the tattoos of David Beckham. In the time since then, David has just kept adding to his personal tattoo collection. Most notably the work on his arms has been filled in a lot, and he's very close to have two full tattoo sleeves now.
David added work to his right upper arm when he was with Real Madrid in Spain, when the Beckhams were facing a storm in the British press about the strength of their marriage and he was being teased in the papers, with many stories saying his neck tattoo (added during the World Cup games) just make him look like a soccer hooligan. Now, four years later, Beckham has enough ink to make you think he's been moonlighting in a rock band. He's stayed with the monochrome/black and white styling of his earlier work, concentrating on filling out his arms. The total collection has now grown to fifteen.The right arm has been fully sleeved from shoulder to wrist. The angel on the upper arm was joined by another angel and a Templar Knight, surrounded by waves and clouds. The design also incorporates the Latin-derived saying "Let them hate as long as they fear." Beckham got this tattoo as he and his family made the transition to their present home in Los Angeles where he plays for the LA Galaxy team.
The left forearm was entirely covered in early 2008. What had been a few pieces in tribute to his wife became a full-blown half-sleeve with the addition of a topless portrait of Victoria, the phrase "forever by your side" and background designs. It's also been more recently revealed that the couple both got the Roman numerals "VIII.V.MMVI" tattooed to commemorate renewing their wedding vows back in 2006.
In March of 2008, David added a Chinese proverb tattooed down the left side of his torso. This was just revealed when Beckham took his shirt off as a game was ending. The tattoo was done in Hong Kong while the LA Galaxy were playing exhibition games in the pre-season. It's in Mandarin and supposedly reads "Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honor depend upon heaven."
At the end of December 2008, a new piece was spotted on the inside of Beckham's inner, upper left arm as he practiced in Dubai. It appears to be another cherub (like he has in the same spot on his right arm) and a Hebrew saying from the Bible which translates to "My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart." Tabloid stories are alternately saying that Victoria either pleaded with David to not get this tattoo or are saying she helped design it.
You can see lots of pictures and details of David Beckham's tattoos or for more on celebrity tattoos, you might like Celebrity Tattoos or the celebrity tattoo index.
