In a shocking twist, People magazine did not choose a movie star for its annual Sexiest Man Alive cover, which was revealed on Tuesday night. Instead, for the first time ever, the magazine went with a professional athlete: British soccer superstar David Beckham.

Beckham, 40, retired from soccer a couple of years ago. These days he makes headlines when he plays in a UNICEF charity match with his kids.

Fittingly, People only focuses on Beckham’s family for its cover, as the headline reads “He’s a romantic husband, a devoted dad – and he vacuums!” It goes without saying that his wife is pop star/fashion icon Victoria Beckham. Even the preview of People’s cover story simply notes that he’s a proud father to three sons (Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz) and a 4-year-old daughter, Harper. Then there are the usual quotes about how he is surprised that he’s considered sexy. That’s it.

Beckham didn’t even have anything to plug when he appeared briefly via video on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” as the late-night host announced the honor for the third year in the row.

“It’s the best moment of my career – I can’t believe it,” Beckham said, with the required embarrassed grin. “I would obviously like to thank my parents for bringing me into this world, of course.”


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