So what do you buy the man who has everything for his 50th birthday?

That’s exactly the conundrum David Beckham found himself in when thinking ahead to the milestone on May 2.

Worth just shy of £400million, with a designer wardrobe and car collection to die for, the former England captain decided that he would instead ask his nearest and dearest not to waste their money on presents that he doesn’t need or want.

Instead he has asked them to join him in trying to make the world a better place for children, especially young girls, by donating to a new initiative in collaboration with Unicef – the United Nations Children’s Fund – with whom he has been a Goodwill Ambᴀssador for 20 years.

A friend told the Mail: ‘David doesn’t want people to buy him something for the sake of it – he has literally everything he wants and needs. He has Rolex watches, the most beautiful wine. He wants for nothing.

‘He is at a time in his life when he is so content and so happy, but he knows that there are children across the world who really need some help and support, so it was a no-brainer.’

Yesterday, Beckham launched his fundraising appeal for Unicef’s work to support vulnerable children – particularly to improve the lives of girls who are impacted by child marriage, female genital mutilation, violence and abuse.

In an online video, Beckham said: ‘We are witnessing a global funding crisis where the most vulnerable children are suffering the most and urgently need our help.

David Beckham launched his fundraising appeal for Unicef’s work to support vulnerable children yesterday

David Beckham pictured with his wife Victoria ahead of the former footballer’s 50th birthday

The former England captain has asked his nearest and dearest not to waste their money on presents that he doesn’t need or want

Please support my birthday fundraiser. Next month, I turn 50. It’s a major milestone that has made me think about the opportunities I’ve had and the experiences that have shaped me.

‘As I look back, some of the moments that have had the most impact on me have come through my work with Unicef. 

‘As a father of four amazing children, I know how lucky my family is to be safe and have access to education and healthcare.

‘I’ve met children living in the toughest situations all over the world, and I’ve seen what can happen when they are given the support they need to take control of their lives.

‘Today, 25 years since my first visit to a women’s centre in Thailand, the world is a very difficult place for children – especially girls. 

‘Every child deserves the chance to dream. Together, we can help to make those dreams a reality. Thank you, Unicef.’

In January, Beckham was presented with the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for his dedication to protecting vulnerable children and improving their living conditions.

In his speech he warned that many ‘girls are held back by poverty, violence and discrimination’, adding: ‘I want my daughter Harper to have the same opportunities as her brothers, and that should be the case for all girls everywhere. 

Beckham was given the Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos for his dedication to protecting vulnerable children

In his speech he warned that many ‘girls are held back by poverty, violence and discrimination’

Beckham has been a Goodwill Ambᴀssador for Unicef for 20 years

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‘Girls need opportunities. They need collective action and they need investment.’

The celebrations for Beckham’s birthday have already started – earlier this month, a bash was thrown in Miami by his Inter Miami stars, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, at the Cipriani restaurant.

During the evening, Beckham and his wife Victoria’s youngest son Romeo, 22, made an emotional speech – although their eldest son Brooklyn, 26, was notably absent.

To celebrate the big day, Beckham is said to be jetting out to Europe for a party with family and close friends before enjoying a sunshine break somewhere remote. He will later throw a lavish party in London for friends and former team mates.