Shirtless David Beckham Becomes First Male Cover Star on Elle UK Magazine (Photo)

Even at the ripe old age of 37, David Beckham continues to break new ground in the realms of sports and pop stardom.

The L.A. Galaxy midfielder appears on the cover of the July 2012 issue of Elle UK. He becomes the first male to appear solo on the cover of the venerable fashion magazine, according to the Telegraph.

The news has sent Beckham's admirers into a frenzy, and Elle has published two versions of the July 2012 issue. Non-subscribers can buy a copy with the former England captain wearing a grey cotton T-shirt. Subscribers will receive a copy that features a shirtless Beckham emerging from a swimming pool.

The magazine goes on sale May 30, and Elle is expecting that this issue will become a collector's item.

Beckham's busy summer has seen him appear in commercials selling everything from smartphones to smoothies. He also serves as an ambassador for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. When they kick off in late July, he hopes to play for Great Britain's soccer team.

We can only speculate as to how the prospect of winning an Olympic gold medal in one's hometown compares to being a trailblazer in the world of fashion and style. For Beckham, it is a reality.

See Beckham's Elle UK cover photo below.

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