David Beckham to be Elle UK Magazine's First Solo Male Cover Star

Victoria Beckham may be a global style icon, but it appears that her greatest rival for the spotlight could soon be her very own husband, David Beckham.

The dashing footballer is set to make history by becoming the first male fashion star to appear solo on the cover of Elle magazine.

David, who is an International Olympic ambassador, has been chosen to grace the cover of the July Issue of Elle UK, which is due to celebrate the London Olympic Games. The athlete has been chosen for his "style and athletic prowess", the magazine said.

The Elle cover will be the 36-year-old LA Galaxy star's first appearance on the cover of a women's glossy magazine.

David, who is as famous for his looks as well as his athletic prowess, expressed his excitement about the venture.

He told the Daily Mail: "Elle is a prestigious magazine with international recognition. I'm honoured to have been asked to be the first ever solo male fashion cover."

He follows in the footsteps of Paul Weller, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth and Ewan McGregor, who have appeared on the cover alongside females such as Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger.

Elle UK editor-in-chief Lorraine Candy said: "David Beckham is a national hero, so we saw an opportunity to shoot a celebratory cover to support an historical and patriotic year.

"He is an icon and Elle is known for featuring icons on its cover. This is a first for us on the newsstand and I believe he is loved by men and women alike.

"Anyway, who doesn't want to see a picture of one of the world's most handsome men on the front cover of a magazine? It will be a collector's issue," she added.

David recently got in all the modelling practice that he will need for the shoot after posing for some promotional photos for his H&M underwear range.

The July issue of Elle will go on sale on 30 May.