Last year’s Sexiest Man Alive was Chris Hemsworth. He wasn’t really a controversial choice, but it did feel like People Magazine sort of phoned it in. Many believed that after People chose an Aussie last year, this year would definitely be an American. Not so much! This year’s SMA is… David Beckham! I sort of understand, although I think the honor might have been more timely a decade ago. That being said, Becks is a lovely guy and to me, he HAS gotten hotter and sexier as he’s gotten older. Even other celebrities like him and think he’s a nice guy too. And of course, Becks agreed to a sit-down with People Mag.
David Beckham is a global superstar, devoted husband and down-to-earth dad of four. And now, the humble British heartthrob is this year’s Sexiest Man Alive.
“It’s a huge honor,” Beckham, 40, tells PEOPLE of scoring our 30th anniversary Sexiest Man crown. “And I’m very pleased to accept.”
Although he’s been a sex symbol for nearly two decades, the self-effacing soccer icon isn’t sure he’s even deserving of the mantle. “I never feel that I’m an attractive, sexy person,” he says in this week’s cover story. “I mean I like to wear nice clothes and nice suits and look and feel good, but I don’t ever think of myself that way.”
Still, when Beckham shared the news with his wife, fashion mogul Victoria Beckham, 41, she was totally on-board.
“I would hope that she feels this way about me all the time anyway!” he says with a shy smile. “But she said, ‘Congratulations!’ “
Sure. So, another international choice. The thing is, even though the Beckhams are now spending more time in Paris and London, they still maintain homes in America, and they’ve both talked about how much they love spending time in America because there’s not the crazy hysteria around them like there is in England. So… maybe this was a more “American” choice.
You can see the gallery of People’s other SMA contenders here. This year’s list includes Justin Timberlake, Reid Scott (from Veep), Idris Elba (JFC!!!!!!!!!), Sam Heughan (Outlander), Justin Theroux (eyeroll), Charlie Hunnam (sigh…), Jussie Smollett, Jake Gyllenhaal and Nick Jonas. You can see the whole Sexiest Man Alive package here.
Here’s the big reveal on Jimmy Kimmel Live last night.
Photos courtesy of People Magazine.
If he just wasn’t covered with tattoos he would be fine.
I like his tattoos. Don’t have any myself, but if they are done well it’s like a personal art piece and they all come with stories.
Sleeves and large pieces aren’t everyone’s cup of tea though.
I don’t mind his tattos, but I don’t find him hot at all. He’s quite boring looking. And that voice. But he seems like a nice guy ( if you ignore the cheating).
Awful choice. Should have been Pratt or Hiddleston.
To each their own–I think it’s a personal thing. I have 15 tattoos and counting m’self, and I LOVE Becks’ tattoos. I think they enhance his sexiness. But my attraction to him is completely superficial– he’s just so, so nice to look at. I see that saucy expression of his and I’m just like “here, take all my underwear.”
that arm looks like it has the mange
Hehe, off to the vet. I guess sexy is in the eye of the beholder..my eyes don’t get it, but whatever..it’s just People (yawn).
Not crazy about tats myself. He looks kind of dirty.
😍❤️
It’s a solid choice, he’s definitely hot and seems like a nice guy too. Is it just me or are most of the recent sexiest men title holders blonde?
As long as he doesn’t speak. That squeaky voice is a passion killer!!!
Yup my thoughts exactly!!!😀
haha I hear you. He doesn’t do it for me but does seem like a nice guy
Same here – but I love the way he loves his kids. That’s sexy!
Is it weird to anyone else that all these “sexiest men” are almost exclusively white?? David is as boring as possible for a pick. No Idris Alba?
oops went thru 2x
Same here. He’s physically gorgeous to me until he opens his mouth. Give me a baritone any day.
THIS. The first time I heard him talk I almost keeled over with shock…total disconnect.
LOL I felt the same way! I was not prepared for that.
LOL! Like Mike Tyson.. that voice!
Yup the voice is like an ice storm to my biscuits. I’m a huge Voice Girl so it’s a deal-breaker. Too bad because he is damn nice-looking, tats and all.
A safe, meh choice. In my imaginary magazine the top five would be Idris , Charlie Hunnam, Ralph Fiennes (English Patient era) Cary Fukunaga and Alan Rickman. Not that anyone is asking me.
Cary Fukunaga is handsome af.
I would have loved to see Idris on the cover. He beats Beckham by a mile.
OMG yes! Cary Fukunaga is everything.
Beckham seems like a really outdated choice.
Idris should have been on the cover… bringing the Thunder. While Becks is still a hot guy, he’s past his expiration date. What is he doing now that he’s retired??
Alan Rickman an would work for me, every year.
I like him. He is so non-offensive. 😛
More than that. David Beckham is a legit nice guy. Really, really, kind.
I think he’s very handsome and I love pictures of him with his children. It’s a shame he has all of those tattoos. That sort of ruins it for me, but I think he’s a good enough choice.
I agree….Seeing a Dad, who is so obviously crazy about his kids and so involved in their lives, makes him very sexy to me!
His face is handsome, has a great body, but hate the tats. What makes him appealing to me is that he’s been married to the same women for so long and is a family man. These days there aren’t too many hotties out there, so David can wear the crown of sexiest proudly.
‘married to the same woman’……..i think you missed the bit where he repeatedly cheated on her.
LAK: Maybe he strayed, but she took him back and they’re together with a beautiful family. My cup used to be half empty with a leak….now I’m trying to be more positive……so they’re happy damnit!
LOL Bill Clinton has been married to the same woman…
LAK, do you think there is any cred to the blind about them divorcing? That supposedly it’s all a done deal and Posh waiting for David to get OBE so she then can be Lady Posh and divorce and not remarry because, you know, the Beckham brand? LOL!
I love Becks! I know he may be a cheat but we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. I love that he is a great dad, not embarrassed to show love to his kids and just seems to not take himself seriously (his Ellen skits are hilarious!). He is a footballer with a heart and I think gets better with age.
Cricket: Brand Beckham supersedes personal feelings. For that reason i doubt they will divorce, BUT if they do, i won’t be surprised. it’s been very apparent for a long time that this marriage has devolved to simply being about image and branding.
that said, i also think they have more affection, however residual, for each other than the Cambridges.
Uh, yeah. I’m good with this.
Same here. Given the Sheens, Allens and other questionable celebrities out there, it’s nice to celebrate a (seemingly) genuinely decent person for once.
“He says with a shy smile.” In a Minnie Mouse voice.
The Sexiest Man Alive choices have not really made a big splash in years. It is just becoming OLD. I think David was a safe choice; and since they want the winner to do an interview and video they are more selective. I wonder if someone else was asked and turned them down.
He is an attractive man; and if he had been chosen a few years ago I would get it. But MEH.. I think he is a devoted father so that is always sexy.. But I won’t be buying this issue any more than I did the previous ones over the years. Next week no one will be taking about this selection.
I find him very bland =/
He is pretty and then he opens his mouth and the sexiness just vanishes. After seeing Road to Paloma, Jason Momoa would get my vote. He is all kinds of yum
Jason wouldn’t work, he is not White.They just had a Black Sexiest Man back in 1996 with Denzel.It’s not the right time for another non White guy yet.Give it some more time.
#sarcasm
Colette – I am laughing and cringing at the same time – sadly very funny. David Beckham is a better choice than Justin Timberlake or Nick Jonas, at the very least. Once upon a time I snarked on wives who stayed with cheaters, until I became one ha ha. I get it now.
Meh, it’s a fine if not exactly timely choice. Seems like the kind of safe option you have in your back pocket when your first choices don’t want the ‘honour’. Is he promoting anything? I guess he has all those fragrances, perfect timing with the holidays coming up.
I guess they went retro because present day frontpagers like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Daniel Craig said no. And why a yawn for Theroux, I think he’s very sexy on Left Behind.
I was just thinking that this seems about four years too late. Is Beckham even relevant anymore?
He would have made sense 10 or so years ago when they moved to America and for some reason everyone went crazy over them. He’s been old news for a long while now.
I have noticed since his retirement he has been focusing on his charity work.
While I think that Idris should have been the choice ( and I agree with a commenter who thinks he declined), I do not hate this choice.
While it is not a diverse choice, David has a diverse audience.
I was just thinking the same, like, is anyone really thinking about him now? He is handsome ish but also, to me, not really and not that interesting. I am sure if I followed his sports career maybe but hasnt that been over for awhile? (I could be totally wrong on that but even so.) Hmm.
ITA, it seems like a dated and random choice.
I am soooo glad it was not Daniel Craig. I find him so insufferable. Kind of thought it may go to Matt Damon or Michael Fassbender or even Prince Harry LOL
Fassbender, Harry or Hardy would all be great choices IMO.
I love Daniel Craig. He is not the best looker but his personality makes up for it.
Beckham is to sexy what Donald Trump is to reasoned debate.
Yup! They are both great!
The Beckhams have been on a real press surge this year, more than usual. Especially with their kids. It’s a little strange, since they went through a period of being sort of anonymous, sticking only to super classy outlets. Wonder who decided to double-down on their coverage?
They make most of their money from their more down-market ventures eg. cheap perfumes. I’m guessing other lines from more visible celebs have started making a dent in their profits recently.
It’s about time! That’s all I’ll say.
Years ago the SMA were more handsome and sexy than the last 10 years. Eg, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruse, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Pierce Bronson, John F Kennedy Jr, Sean Connery, Ect. those were the sexiest men. Now a days they put up anyone who will accept the title and not the most sexy ones IMO.
I don’t think anyone will ever top JFK, Jr. for me. However David Beckham is a much better choice than Chris Hemsworth and Adam Levine.
Yes to JFK Jr…
They don’t just make them like him anymore. SIGH.
Paul Rayan is very similar to JFK Jr., just has different pedigree and political leanings.
Another one is Jake G. who was on the list and is really a nice guy.
Yup. The last couple of years winners have been pretty underwhelming. Maybe they should just retire the title.
I forgot that this is the time of year for Sexiest “White” Man Alive magazine to come out.
And yet, just another non-predictable safe choice.
Sexy? Yes. Timely? No.
More than ever I get the impression over the last few years that a lot of serious actors/musicians (or actors/musicians who consider themselves “serious”) are turning this down.
Agreed. Channing Tatum and Chris Hemsworth are both very recent winners… C List compared to the old picks of Pitt, Hanks, Clooney. Seems like all the real A Listers are aging and any legit newcomer (like JGL, for example) is turning it down. I think it would be interesting if they chose someone over 50/60 like Michael Keaton or John Stamos who are both still relevant and sexy IMO.
In the early years, they didn’t care if the guys consented to it or not. If they didn’t do an interview/photo shoot, they would just piece stuff together. Only after several guys publicly said they were mortified did they start giving it only to those willing to accept it
It doesn’t feel particularly timely to me, just sort of random “Yep he’s still hot.” And I’m glad he’s smiling, his smile is still very cute, whereas I noticed in the H&M campaigns he’s gotten a tiny bit old to pull off the Zoolander scowl, well maybe some guys his age could but his face just doesn’t look as handsome with the scowl to me anymore. Agree with everyone on the voice though, that’s always stopped me from truly going “Ding dong David!”
Idris would have been a more current and hot choice. I like Charlie Hunman and the Outlander boy too but their profiles aren’t high enough. Justin Theroux (MEGA eyeroll !) puh-lease with the dyed hair and waxy face, yuck. Can’t help but wonder if Charlie had done 50 Shades if his profile would be higher than Jamie Dornan’s has resulted in being. I do think his day will come. I like Jamie Dornan but it feels like other than amongst 50 Shades fanatics he really hasn’t gotten much buzz out of the role.
I’ve thought many times the lack of buzz for Jamie Dornan post-release is amazing. I mean the movie was apparently crap but so was Twilight and Sparkles got huge buzz…if not much success outside the franchise. Dornan’s just a non-entity.
Charlie Hunnam I have an ongoing suspicion is Internet famous. He gets comments and clicks but if I surveyed my seven aunts (of various ages) for example I’d say maybe two would know who I’m talking about. And at least one of those who knew would be “that guy from Sons of Anarchy?”. He’ll continue to work big time absolutely but I don’t see King Arthur doing much for him.
I genuinely have no idea how many fans he has, I do know that every girl I know who watched him in Sons developed some sort of crush, which to me means he has movie star potential. Whether King Arthur will be enough to do that for him I don’t know, but it’s rare to have an actor who is both pretty and legit manly seeming – the Hunman brothers I guess, but to me they are both kind of vanilla/boring. Charlie has an edge to him, that sort of raw vulnerable quality – he’s not quite on a Heath Ledger level but that is the vibe I get that could eventually be pulled out of him by the right director.
Charlie H is gorgeous and I love that he is so manly-sexy, unlike so many HWood actors today. I am still sad he wasn’t Christian Grey. I find it touching how genuinely heartbroken he seemed to be that he couldn’t fit the filming in his schedule. It would have upped the whole tone/quality of the film. Dornan was hot, but not as “tingles down there” hot.
I still have to force myself to watch 50 Shades (not really my bag but I am curious mainly to see what Dornan is like in it – I kind of imagine he’s a less interesting version of his character in The Fall!). I almost feel like they saw he could play dark and put him in the role, I do think Charlie would have brought a different feel to it – couldn’t agree more, he is so manly-sexy!
Yes, man. I agree with this. If only because he is so adoring of his beautiful little girl. Supremely sexy when a man enjoys his children and his role of dad. And can’t fault him for the body either…
IMO, Denzel Washington at 60 years old is still more handsome and sexy than David B. It would have been cool to give the honor to a DW for the second time at his age.
Idris should have been on the front cover.
Clearly the Beckhams’ PR team were worried that they’re slipping from view, and that’s why they engineered this ‘award’ for him. As others have said, it’s strange that he should get it in 2015, a good 10 years after he was at peak fame – and peak hotness. He was never really my type, but I could definitely see that he was gorgeous as a young man. Now, he’s kind of ferret-like.
And I always find it interesting to see the different attitudes to the Beckhams on the other side of the pond. In the UK, they’re mostly regarded as being barely a step above the Kardashians these days – complete with using their kids for publicity.
Hmmm I’m not Beckham apologist but comparing them to the Kardashians??? I really disagree. Just last week he was on tv over here in the UK playing a charity football match he organised for unicef right after the Paris bombings, and he spoke very genuinely about it. Perhaps he shouldn’t have won this award but he’s not on kardashian levels by any means
Maybe Kardashian was a bit of an exaggeration, but they are similar in the sense that these days, all they do is push a ‘brand’ – based on keeping themselves and thier children in the spotlight – in order to flog the overpriced clothes she pays someone to design, or the perfume, underwear and other sundry items he puts his name to. I just find it interesting that, going by boards like this, the Beckhams seem to be quite popular in the US, but most people in the UK are tired of them.
Beckham is good looking but does nothing for me at all. I’ve never found him to be sexy even when he was younger or when he has all of his tattoos covered up. I definitely think Idris should have been on the cover this year. I also know that Charlie Hunnam does it for a lot of women, so he also would have been a very good choice for this year’s cover, more so than David Beckham. Lastly, I have no clue why Justin Theroux is on the list. He is not sexy in any way.
“Lastly, I have no clue why Justin Theroux is on the list.” Because of PR Aniston. I am convinced her first name is “PR.” Without People pushing her overrated ass constantly, she would be just another Katherine Heigl.
YUMMMMMMMMMM.
He’s cute not sexy.
I think it’s brilliant. I think he’s hot, always have, but also I’m really glad they picked a soccer player, too. Soccer players are out-of-this-world sexy.
Mmmm..those thighs.
Agree 100%!
Super hot. Love him. 😍
as long as he keeps his mouth closed he’s very hot!!
Hmmm…Beckam is just a safe choice…I’m wondering, has a person of color ever been SMA? What about a LGBT man/woman? There are soooo many of them that are sexier!
Denzel Washington was 20 years ago. There hasn’t been another black man since then but I could be wrong.
What about any other poc? Asian, Indian, Native? Nothing huh?
Christoph Waltz was robbed!!!
David Beckham seems like a nice man but he’s not sexy.
Funny how they never erase the wrinkles on a man’s face…but for women they erase every damn line and make her look like a cartoon. Stop it already.
This reminds me of the good ole days of “Hot Guy Friday.” Can we PLEASE bring that back?!
You know whats odd? If he was in his 20s I wouldnt agree. I feel like he’d be too baby faced and too blonde-ish. But now that he’s in his 40s he’s got this sexy thing going on that I like looking at.
Was Tom Brady ever People’s SMA?
Justin Theroux but no Dragonfly King? Um, no. Just no.
Meh. Handsome features and nice build, but I’m sick of tattoos and I can’t stand to listen to him.
Don’t get it. He has such a funny voice and is totally overrated. The only guys I ever found attractive were Depp, JFK Jr., Brosnan and Gibson when he was younger. I will also never understand what women see in Idris. I always hear women calling him hot. Pretty strange for me. But hey, it is a free world. How was Levine voted as SMA in 2013? That shocked me. A sexy man is not only good looking, he should have charisma and a brain. Some of these guys from nowadays don’t seem to be very smart to be honest and they are lacking charisma.
As long as he doesn’t speak with the little girl voice we’re good!
I’ve seen him is person. He’s a wee man with a very high pitched voice. Not my pick!
The whole thing is ridiculous. If someone is truly the sexiest, he doesn’t stop being so in one year, maybe in 5-10 or never like Robert Redford.
Well, Our Dragonfly Overlord IS #1 in their online gallery of Sexiest still available.
twitter.com/people/status/666838256819007488
Keep that pretty mouth of his quiet, and then, yes – sexiest man alive.
YAY!
Gross. I never found him attractive. He’s not very smart and his voice. Just no. Obsessed with his looks and those tatts. And he’s cheated on Vic many times.
He is a small guy with girly voice and waaay to much ink for my taste. Sorry but People missed the mark on this one. Glad to see a few new faces though. That Sam Heughan #5… Damn! Never heard of him until last fall. A Scottish actor on Starz series Outlander. He doesn’t always take a good pic but he is def a sexy guy. What a bod, smile, charming etc…Can’t believe the mag didn’t give him more space for being #5. Just a blip in the margin. Not cool. Maybe next year since his popularity is rising fast!!