Photo Credit: ZumaPress	Photo Credit: Quinn

Updated: March 17, 2010:
Unfortunately, David Beckham tore his Achilles tendon on March 14, 2010 while playing soccer. He had surgery to repair the injury and is now undergoing physical therapy, which could take up to six months before he can play again. It’s not certain if he’ll be able to compete in the World Cup taking place in South Africa in June. Beckham has thanked everyone for their support and encouragement on his website www.davidbeckham.com and stated, "The operation was a success and I'd like to thank Dr. Orava and all the medical staff who looked after me during my time in Finland.” “I'm feeling positive and now concentrating on getting back to full fitness over the coming months."

Mi4 recognizes David Beckham as a mentor because he has been playing soccer non-stop since he was a young boy growing up in London, England. When he was just 11 years old, Manchester United scouts asked him try out for their youth league. David Beckham continues to inspire millions of young athletes around the world as is one of the most popular and recognized athletes anywhere soccer/football is played, which is virtually everywhere!

"Sports are a language that everyone speaks, and it can be used to change lives" said David Beckham. “We can use sports to teach (kids) about trust and respect and we can boost their confidence. It’s a chance for them to learn how to stay safe, keep healthy and in some cases stay alive."

In addition, David Beckham gives back through his support of children’s charities such as the David & Victoria Beckham Children's Charity, which helps families with children born with disabilities purchase mobility aids which help enrich their lives; UNICEF, which seeks to provide health, education, equality and protection to every child worldwide; and Malaria No More, which is focused on preventing the spread of malaria in impoverished countries. “We can’t turn a blind eye to the tens of thousands of young children who die every day in the developing world mostly from causes that are preventable. In Sierra Leone, one in four children die before reaching their fifth birthday - it’s shocking and tragic especially when the solutions are simple - things like vaccinations against measles or using a mosquito net to reduce the chance of getting malaria.”

Currently David Beckham plays with the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major League Soccer club (MLS), and is on loan to AC Milan in the Italian league for the off-season to maintain his fitness. This summer he will get on the England World Cup squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.