The truth behind David Beckham's hospital operation has been laid bare and it goes all the way back to an injury suffered in the Manchester United and England icon's playing days - 22 years ago
10:38, 27 Jun 2025
David Beckham was taken to hospital for an operation to solve a longstanding injury
David Beckham was taken to hospital for an operation to solve a longstanding injury
Sir David Beckham's trip to hospital was for a secret operation to solve problems caused by an injury he suffered 22 years ago.
Fans were surprised to learn the Manchester United and England icon had undergone surgery for what - at first glance - appeared to be a broken arm. His wife Victoria shared a photo of the 50-year-old in a hospital bed with his right arm in a sling, alongside the emotional caption "get well soon Daddy".
The former Spice Girls star also posted a photo of a friendship bracelet given to the dad-of-four, with letters forming 'Get Well Soon' on the white beads, which he sported on his hand. And now it has emerged why the Inter Miami and Salford City co-owner had to go under the knife.
The ex-midfielder - who was awarded a knighthood earlier this month and pictured in a hospital gown smiling through the pain - reportedly underwent an operation to repair a broken wrist, which dates back to his days as United star's winger and England's captain.
He sustained the injury when leading the Three Lions during a friendly match against South Africa in 2003, under the management of Sven-Goran Eriksson, when Becks bravely battled on despite the pain, with England clinching a 2-1 victory in Durban.
Beckham first suffered the issue with his wrist in 2003
Beckham first suffered the issue with his wrist in 2003(Image: Getty Images)
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Beckham had provided an assist for Gareth Southgate to give England the lead after 36 seconds, but later fell awkwardly in a challenge with South Africa's Thabang Molefe and was substituted early in the second half, before being taken to hospital.
South Africa replied quickly after future England manager Southgate's opener, with a Benni McCarthy penalty levelling the scores.
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey scored England's second-half winner, clinching victory for the visitors, but by then attention had turned to the extent of Beckham's injury.
Beckham had been struggling since he was tackled by Molefe, and he was clearly in pain when he was replaced by Jermaine Jenas four minutes after the interval.
WARNING TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM CAPTION:David Beckham in rushed to hospital with painful injury as Victoria shares snap
The United talisman - who that summer left Old Trafford for Real Madrid after his infamous fallout with manager Sir Alex Ferguson - had suffered a broken wrist.
A recent x-ray showed a screw - used to patch him up at the time - had embedded in his forearm after failing to dissolve properly.
The former LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star has revealed how his long-running career left him with multiple injuries and years of "wear and tear". He said: "Certain parts of my body were a real mess."
Reports claim the legendary winger had been in pain for a number of years but in recent months it became 'unbearable'.
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The operation is said to have went well, with wife Victoria at his bedside following the procedure.