Even after decades in the spotlight, David Beckham admits there is one person who can still leave him feeling like a fan. That person is basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The two sporting greats were recently photographed catching up over lunch in Ibiza, where Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, met Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto. Also joining the gathering were the Beckhams’ son Romeo Beckham and his girlfriend, Kim Turnbull. The afternoon included lunch at Casa Jondal before the group spent time by the water. Photos showed Beckham greeting Jordan with a warm embrace, a moment that quickly drew attention because of the long-standing admiration he has openly expressed for the basketball legend.
Photo: Backgrid
For Beckham, this was more than a casual reunion. It was another meeting with the athlete who influenced him long before they became friends.
Years ago, Beckham revealed that meeting Jordan for the first time was one of the few occasions when he genuinely felt overwhelmed. Recalling the encounter, he said he found it difficult to take his eyes off the former Chicago Bulls star during a dinner, prompting Victoria to jokingly tell him to stop staring. Beckham also remembered being amazed when he shook Jordan’s hand, describing just how much larger it felt than his own. He has shared those stories several times over the years, and the latest photographs show the two sharing another warm meeting.
Photo: Backgrid
Jordan’s influence on Beckham has shown up in more ways than personal admiration. When Beckham signed for Real Madrid in 2003, he could not wear his famous No. 7 shirt because it already belonged to Raúl. Instead, he chose No. 23 as a tribute to Jordan’s No. 23 jersey with the Chicago Bulls. Beckham later kept the same number during his time at LA Galaxy, reinforcing how significant Jordan had been to him throughout his career.
Although both men reached the top of different sports, their careers followed similar paths. Each built successful businesses beyond sport. Beckham is now a co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF, while Jordan remains one of the most influential figures in basketball and sports business. Their meeting in Ibiza brought together two men whose names continue to carry weight long after their playing careers peaked.
Photo: Backgrid
The holiday also reflected the relaxed atmosphere both families appeared to enjoy. Victoria Beckham kept to her understated holiday wardrobe, while Jordan and Prieto arrived from their yacht before joining the Beckhams for lunch. The group spent the afternoon talking, laughing and enjoying the Mediterranean summer without the formality that often surrounds public appearances.
Photo: Backgrid
What drew attention was Beckham’s reaction. Beckham’s admiration for Jordan has remained consistent over the years, something reflected in both his past comments and their latest meeting in Ibiza.
For Beckham, the meeting offered another chance to spend time with one of his long-time sporting inspirations.
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