Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son of global icons David and Victoria Beckham, has lived much of his life in the spotlight. Born into a family with an extraordinary legacy in sports and fashion, it’s not surprising that the world expected Brooklyn to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in soccer. However, over the years, Brooklyn has chosen to carve out a different path, one that led him from the soccer field to the world of photography. His journey is one of passion, exploration, and the pursuit of an identity beyond his famous last name.
Brooklyn Beckham’s early years were inevitably tied to soccer. With a father who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, it seemed almost predetermined that Brooklyn would follow in his footsteps. Raised in the public eye, Brooklyn was exposed to soccer from a young age, and many assumed he would one day play professionally, just like his father, David Beckham, a legend of both Manchester United and England’s national team.
As a child, Brooklyn played for various youth teams, including those affiliated with his father’s former club, Arsenal. His athletic abilities were evident, and early on, the media had their eyes on him, speculating about his potential soccer career. However, as Brooklyn grew older and gained more experience, it became increasingly clear that his passion for soccer was not as deep as it was for photography.
In 2015, Brooklyn signed a contract with the American soccer team, LA Galaxy, but the relationship ended before it truly began, as he made the decision to pursue other interests. For many, this marked the beginning of his shift in focus from soccer to something that had long piqued his interest — photography.
Brooklyn’s journey from soccer to photography wasn’t entirely unexpected, given that he had always shown an interest in creative pursuits. In fact, before soccer, he was passionate about photography, even taking his first photographs with his father’s camera at the age of 10. While soccer provided him with fame and attention, Brooklyn’s love for capturing moments behind the lens slowly began to emerge as his true calling.
By the time Brooklyn Beckham was in his late teens, he started experimenting with photography more seriously. He enrolled in classes to hone his skills, learning the technicalities of composition, lighting, and framing. Although he did not attend formal photography school, he worked closely with some of the best photographers in the industry to refine his craft. His Instagram account became an early platform for showcasing his photography, with images ranging from striking portraits to stunning landscapes, showcasing his growing artistic eye.
In 2017, Brooklyn began to gain recognition as a photographer when he took on his first professional assignment, shooting for the magazine Miss Vogue at the age of 18. His first published photographs received mixed reviews, with some praising his fresh approach and others critiquing his lack of experience. But Brooklyn wasn’t deterred. He continued to develop his style, incorporating his own personality and perspective into his work.
In 2020, Brooklyn Beckham took his passion for photography to the next level by publishing his first photography book, What I See. The book showcased a collection of his most admired photographs, many of which were taken during his travels. The book was a statement of Brooklyn’s growing expertise and interest in photography as more than just a hobby. It allowed him to show the world a new side of himself — one that was no longer just about being the son of a soccer icon but as someone carving out a new identity on his own terms.
While photography has allowed Brooklyn to distance himself from his famous parents’ legacy, he has also been keen to build his own personal brand. Brooklyn has always understood the power of social media in shaping one’s image, and he has used platforms like Instagram to connect with his growing audience. As a young man born into a family that made a living out of their personal brand, Brooklyn learned early on how to navigate the intersection of fame and individuality.
His social media presence gives followers a glimpse into his personal life, as well as behind-the-scenes moments of his work as a photographer. He shares intimate moments with his wife, actress Nicola Peltz, and posts sneak peeks of his photography shoots. Brooklyn’s Instagram account has not only allowed him to showcase his work but also to build relationships with influencers, brands, and other creatives in the photography and fashion industries.
Brooklyn’s unique position as a celebrity who chose a different path has helped him maintain relevance, allowing him to transition from being simply a member of the Beckham family to a person with his own creative voice. His trajectory mirrors a growing trend where celebrity children break away from their famous parents’ shadows and define themselves in ways that reflect their true passions.
Brooklyn Beckham has faced his share of criticism throughout his career, particularly regarding his shift from soccer to photography. Many questioned whether his success in the field was due to his famous last name rather than his own talent. However, Brooklyn has consistently addressed these concerns by focusing on his work and allowing it to speak for itself. He understands that his journey will always be seen through the lens of his family’s fame, but he is determined to prove that his dedication and passion are what drive him.
His photography style, which often features a mix of natural beauty, candid moments, and intimate portraits, has evolved over the years. What Brooklyn lacks in formal training, he compensates for in his ability to see the world through a unique and personal lens. His work, while occasionally criticized for its simplicity or lack of technical prowess, is deeply personal to him, and it has found its place within the creative community.
Brooklyn has also used his platform to address deeper issues, such as mental health. His work has often focused on expressing emotions through imagery, capturing vulnerability, and exploring the personal struggles many face. Through his art, Brooklyn has found a way to communicate without words — allowing viewers to experience his perspective in a very direct and powerful way.
As Brooklyn Beckham’s career in photography continues to flourish, he has also expanded his influence into other areas of the fashion and media industry. His photography has appeared in major publications, and he has worked with prominent fashion brands and designers. His connections with the fashion world were no surprise, given his family’s extensive ties to the industry, particularly through his mother, Victoria Beckham, a renowned designer and former member of the Spice Girls.
Brooklyn’s relationship with Nicola Peltz, who is also a successful actress and fashion influencer, has further solidified his position in the fashion world. Together, the couple is often featured in high-profile media outlets, showcasing their shared love for style and creativity. Brooklyn has also worked with his wife on various creative projects, blending their artistic interests and visions into collaborative work.
As Brooklyn Beckham continues to develop his craft and personal brand, it’s clear that his path is one of evolution and growth. He’s no longer just “David Beckham’s son” or a former soccer prospect — he’s an emerging photographer with a distinct voice. His ability to stay true to his passions while embracing the opportunities that come with his fame has set him apart from many of his peers.
With his career now firmly rooted in photography, fashion, and creative direction, Brooklyn Beckham is not just finding his place in the world — he’s building one for himself. Whether or not he chooses to expand into other creative fields, it’s clear that Brooklyn’s journey will continue to be one of transformation, discovery, and personal expression.
Brooklyn Beckham’s journey from soccer prodigy to aspiring photographer has been filled with challenges, criticisms, and triumphs. It’s a reminder that passion often leads us down unexpected paths, and that carving out one’s own identity, especially when born into a legacy, takes courage. As Brooklyn continues to explore his love for photography, he proves that the journey is just as important as the destination, and that staying true to oneself is the key to longevity and success in any field.