PHOTOS: David Beckham's obsession with tattoos explained

For many, David Beckham is a star football player and a celebrity icon. For some, whatever he does becomes a style statement.

The former England ace has also attracted an audience with his love for tattoos.

Rediff.com takes a look at the various tattoos he has had over a period of time.

Beckham first got his tattoo in 1999.

Etched at the lower back, Brooklyn -- Beckham first went under the needle following the birth of his son, Brooklyn, after catching the bug from Spice Girl Mel B's then husband Jimmy Gulzar.

A year later, The Guarding Angel appeared on Beckham.

Placed upper back, the angel was designed to watch over Brooklyn's name a few inches below.

Etched in Hindi, David Beckham, had his wife’s name in his left inner arm.

Considering English lettering far too ordinary, he opted for Hindi script instead. Although sceptics believe that the name was mis-spelled, experts pointed out the tribute actually spelt 'Vihctoria'

Beckham’s love to imprint his family’s name continued when he had Romeo, his second son’s name imprinted on his upper back.

He went again under the needle when his third son Cruz was born, this time underneath the angel. The design is said to be the work of Manchester-based tattoo artist Louis Malloy.

David Beckham decided to get the Roman number seven tattooed in his inner arm.

It signifies his jersey number during his Manchester United and England days.

Saying that David Beckham just loves tattoos would be an understatement as he had an angel etched guarding his kids.

He had this new addition at the back of his neck -- a winged cross

A six-inch tattoo that was a recreation of his favourite Brigitte-Bardot-style photo of Victoria was inked on his left arm with the phrase 'Forever By Your Side'.

A huge Chinese tattoo for Beckham this time, which meant 'Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honour depend upon heaven.'

And to match his right arm, he started colouring in the gaps on his left arm's design.

After etching the Roman numerical number seven, Becks went for a set of matching tattoos on the wrists: VIII .V.MMVI, standing for the date of the ceremony: May 8, 2006, when the pair is believed to have wed for second time at Beckingham Palace.