TODAY marks the 34th birthday of one of the world's most recognisable sporting icons.

David Joseph Robert Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone.

Twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2004 the world's highest-paid footballer, Beckham is the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League matches.

Beckham was captain of England from November 15, 2000, until the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, during which he played 58 times.

Since then he has continued to represent his country and earned his much-publicised hundredth cap for England against France on March 26, 2008.

He is currently England's most-capped outfield player with 109 appearances.

At 16 he was snapped up by Manchester United, where he developed his football and he quickly established himself as an up and coming youngster.

It wasn't long before he made his mark at the Red Devils - many will remember him for his wonder-lob against Wimbledon back in 1996.

But his high point at Old Trafford was in 1999, when he helped his side lift the European Cup in Barcelona against Bayern Munich.

He would soon end up plying his trade in Spain with Real Madrid, where he enjoyed four successful seasons before leaving Europe for LA Galaxy in 2007.

On January 7 this year the England international joined Milan on loan from the US side until the end of the season.

He has been outstanding in Serie A this year, and he celebrates his 34th birthday today in a Milan jersey.