In anticipation of the 2012 Olympic games, David Beckham became Elle U.K.’s first solo male cover model for the July’s issue of the publication.

‘David Beckham is a national hero,’ ELLE Editor in Chief Lorraine Candy said. ‘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.’