David Beckham has gained millions of fans across different parts of the world for his talent as a football player. But beyond his professional career as a soccer player, David is adored for being a devoted husband and father. Apart from giving his wife and children all the love in the world, he has also proven himself as someone who would do everything to protect his children.

David, a famous British soccer player, has been happily married to his wife Victoria (nee Adams) of the girl group Spice Girls for almost two and a half decades now. Since then, they have been gifted with four children: their eldest, Brooklyn Joseph, followed by Romeo James, Cruz David, and their only daughter Harper Seven Beckham.

David has spoken out to defend his choice to kiss his 11-year-old daughter, Harper, on the lips after facing criticisms from some of the fans. The former Manchester United star first addressed the issue after receiving a strong backlash when he posted an image of the kiss on social media.

On July 1, 2017, the father dealt with the criticisms head-on during a Facebook Live interview. He explained that he loves to kiss his daughter on the lips because that is how he and his wife take pride in showing their affection for their children. While some parents may disagree, the way people show affection to their kids can vary from culture to culture and parent to parent. Read on to learn more about the kissing controversy and how David responded to all of the criticism.

Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, David Beckham, Harper Beckham, Anna Wintour(2020), (WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images)

David and Victoria met during a soccer match in 1997. She was the pop superstar known as Posh Spice of the British girl group Spice Girls. He, on the other hand, played for one of the most popular soccer teams in Europe.

After dating for a year, the pair got engaged and then welcomed their first child, Brooklyn, who was born in 1999. After Brooklyn, David and Victoria married and had sons Romeo in 2002 and Cruz in 2005. Six years after their youngest was born, David and Victoria welcomed Harper, their only daughter.

While David loves all of his children equally, fans can attest that he is very protective, particularly of his only daughter. When his only daughter came into their lives, he couldn’t hide the fact that he was over the moon about her arrival.

As if it isn’t obvious enough that Harper is a daddy’s girl, his lovely daughter surprised him with matching hoodies from one of his favorite shows – “Friends.”

“Happy Sunday … How You Doin ? @friends. Harper Seven knows how much I love ‘Friends’ so surprised me with my hoodie this morning,” David said.

In June 2022, they flew to Italy to spend time together and have some father-daughter bonding. He uploaded a video of him and Harper enjoying some gelato together at nine in the morning, proving that he occasionally spoils his daughter from time to time.

“Ssssssshhhhhhh don’t tell mummy 9 AM Gelato,” he wrote in the caption of his post. “Sorry mummy @victoriabeckham ❤️ creating special memories with #HarperSeven,” he added.

In the midst of this kissing controversy, David, known for his successful football career and his status as a style icon, has become a symbol of modern fatherhood.