On the pitch, he was a star from day one. On the red carpet, however, David Beckham took a little longer to find his fashion footing. The former professional footballer, 45, has been stepping out in front of the cameras for decades, making his first team debut for Manchester United in 1992 at the tender age of 17. The former LA Galaxy and AC Milan player, renowned for his bending free-kicks, also bent the style rules over the years, embracing some of the 21st century's most divisive trends (ripped jeans, unbuttoned shirts and beads, anyone?). But, in recent years, Beckham has adopted a penchant for sleek tailoring, edgy off-duty dressing and an eye for signature knits, turning his wardrobe into a season-transcending collection of contemporary staples. Of course, having a fashion designer for a wife probably helps. Here, we take a look at how the sport star's style has evolved throughout his time in the spotlight. <strong>Scroll through the gallery above to see more images of David Beckham through the years.</strong>