When is a beard more than a beard? When it's attached to the face of an international, metrosexual heartthrob who has one of the most recognizable visages on the globe.
Yes, America, it's time to beard it like David Beckham, as the English soccer star is going grizzly these days.
While this news might only arch a few eyebrows on this side of the pond, in England they're going positively batty over Beckham's facial hair stylings, and not in a positive way. The Telgraph, for one, poses the question as to whether it's the "World's worst beard?" The Guardian doesn't exactly give Beckham's hirsuteness rave reviews either:
It's the way (the beard) reaches far down beneath his chin and his neck, over his Adam's apple, toward the top of his chest, like an unstoppable hairy fungus ... It's colonising him. That beard looks like it leads a sinister life of its own, after dark.So what led to the beard in the first place? Well, in a weird way, the U.S. is to blame. Or America's copious campgrounds are. More from the Guardian:
Becks says that his grizzled chops are the consequence of "camping with the kids in America ... I got a bit carried away". He added: "It will stay for a while."What might be a little lost in all of this is Beckham's actual play on the field. While he is no longer starting for England's national team, he does have a spot on the team, which is no small honor in the soccer-mad U.K. Beckham was even named "Man of the Match" by one TV analyst after coming on in reserve duty in England's World Cup qualifying win against Belarus. (The analyst has since come under fire for deigning to give a sub such high praise, but an award's an award, right?)
The bottom line is Beckham is now 34, and will be 35 by the time the World Cup rolls around next summer in South Africa. Smart money says that if he feels the beard is the lucky talisman that's keeping him on the pitch, then don't be surprised if it's down to his knees by next May.
David Beckham Photos
Los Angeles Galaxy's Dema Kovalenko (8) pushes Houston Dynamos' Ricardo Clark, center, away from teammate David Beckham, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 in Houston. The match ended in a 0-0 tie. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
AP
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham, left, kicks the ball away from Houston Dynamos' Brian Mullan (9) during the second half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 in Houston. The match ended in a 0-0 tie. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)
AP
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
David Beckham arriving at LAX airport with beard was delayed because of mountain of luggage checked by customs October 15, 2009. exclusive
KMM-Mariotto/X17online.com
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
10-19-2009 @ 8:02PM
Aqua said...
If men really want to know they should just ask a woman-- FACIAL HAIR IS YUCK! Keep all the hair on top of the head, kthnx ;-)
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:31PM
clathomasa said...
not a true comment there are plenty of women who like facial hair
10-20-2009 @ 9:21AM
loates501 said...
Speak for yourself auqua
10-20-2009 @ 10:35AM
massagebearnj said...
Nothign better than facial hair on men. But he needs to trim it. And never ask a women about that. Some even have facial hair, or they don't trim the bikini line and so on. I once went to look for a new job as a driver for Cintas. She said I was the PERFECT candidate bnut I woul dhave to cut my beard off. I said: WHy? Is the CEO of the company a woman? She said YES. I said: thats dicrimination. She said: No it is not. I said: OK, how about you shoudl shave your moustache off first and I may trim my beard. ( She had one) I got escorted out LOL. Damn stupid women
10-20-2009 @ 1:58PM
Karen Anne said...
I personally LOVE a man with facial hair...if (and it's a big IF) it's taken care of and well-groomed. This "thing" growing on Beckham's face and neck is neither. It looks as though he's been living in the wilds somewhere without benefit of soap, water and a razor...YUCK!
And could someone PLEASE tell me what is up with the "tousled" hair look? I personally do NOT find that attractive either! On anyone! And please, no one post to say, oh, he just did this or that physical activity...every single time I've seen a picture of this guy, even in a suit out on the town, his hair looks like he just came through a wind tunnel or something!
10-19-2009 @ 8:04PM
original slim said...
i actually disagree not ALL facial hair is bad!!!!
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 4:39AM
DEE said...
I agree with you. On Beckham, this beard would look quite nice if he would just shave it off his neck. Down to his jaw line, or underneath his chin to the top of his neck would be okay, but growing it all the way down his neck does look a bit beastly.
10-19-2009 @ 8:07PM
William E Rauh said...
Not that I re3ally give a damn about Beckham or whatever her name is, but I guess he is trying to change his image somewhat since the old image is so used up and tired..............
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 10:24PM
BLESSEDANGEL4EVA said...
honestly people.. who cares?? i dont understand why the media cares so much. Everybody's acting as if because he has a beard now the world is going to change and turn upside down. Grow up. Drama Queens/Kings
10-19-2009 @ 8:08PM
William E Rauh said...
PS He kind of looks like the guy doing the ape commercial for Geico
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:11PM
celticwench87 said...
Whatever, I'd still do him.
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:45PM
cathypzazz said...
I'd still do him too, but I would do him BETTER without that hideous beard.
10-20-2009 @ 4:12AM
Your Highness said...
Aye Wench,Me too. That beard looks mysterious but I do love a good intrigue.
10-20-2009 @ 10:57AM
elana1583 said...
um, yeah, he could be covered with hair!! he's still hot as hell!
10-19-2009 @ 8:13PM
danawinnie said...
HE LOOKS MUCH BETTER WITH THE BEARD OFF...AH..THROW IN THE SHIRT AND SHORTS TOO...O WELL THE UNDERWEAR ALSO...THAT BEAUTY HE IS SPORTING SHOULD BE SHOWN TO THE WORLD..MIGHTY FINE NUMBER 9
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:13PM
Bani said...
people should stop looking @ his facial hair...n just focus on how he plays. It's a free world and people can do whatever they desire that includes keeping facial hair. There are better things to do in life than look @ what he's growing.
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:16PM
odasan said...
Looks like he's doing a little jig in that photo. Girly man. Sick of the Beckhams.
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:22PM
pacahoust99 said...
CAVEMAN
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:22PM
SweetThang said...
I'm not a huge fan of BECKY but i gotta say that facial hair makes him look gross.
Reply
10-19-2009 @ 8:24PM
taylor said...
I dont care who you are... Beckham is H-O-T HOT!!!!
so what if he has some weird facial hair... the man could do nothing to make himself ugly... Sure its a bit much, but it would look alot worse if it were on anyother guy!!!
LOVE YA BECKHAM!!!!
Reply