He may not have achieved his dream of being part of the first England football team since 1966 to lift the World Cup.
But David Beckham put his disappointment behind him to show his support for another Great Briton - Scottish tennis player Andy Murray.
The footballer flew back from Nice where he is holidaying with his family to take his seat on Centre Court.
Beckham had brought eldest son Brooklyn, 11, along hoping to see history in the making.
Support: David Beckham flew into London from his Nice villa to watch Andy Murray bid for his place in the Wimbledon Men's Singles final
Honoured guests: Beckham arrived with son Brooklyn to watch the match on Centre Court
Quality time: Brooklyn Beckham, 11, gets some quality time with his superstar footballer father
But alongside the thousands of fans at Centre Court, he was disappointed after Murray lost in straight sets.
Flash of colour: Katherine Jenkins stood out among the soberly dressed guests in a Victoria Beckham red dress
Lady in red: Vibrant Katherine caught the eye of former chat show host Michael Parkinson, who was more than happy to have a chat with the Welsh songbird
Beckham made a surprise appearance alongside several other invited celebrity guests including Lord Of The Rings actor Orlando Bloom, classical singer Katherine Jenkins and veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost.
The footballer and son Brooklyn, arrived at SW19 shortly before Murray was due on court.
Screaming girls gathered below as the footballer crossed a footbridge to walk across to Centre Court to take his seat.
Celebrity friends: Beckham chats with another famous face, actor Orlando Bloom who also pitched up to see the match
Good wishes: Beckham talks to Murray's mother Judy before taking his seat
Put it there: Despite the World Cup failure the former England captain had no shortage of well-wishers
The Royal Box featured several big sporting names, including 1966 Wimbledon champion Manuel Santana, who is cheering on his fellow Spaniard Nadal.
Beckham previously congratulated Murray by text message on his success at Wimbledon this year.
Murray Tweeted: 'Thanks for all the good luck and well done messages today. Always nice to get one from David Beckham but trying to read them all!'
After England's World Cup disappointment, Britain had become a nation of Murray-maniacs, and had pinned its sporting hopes on the young Scot's shoulders.
Woman in red: Katherine's red dress could have proved a distraction
My hero: Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears wore a pretty embroidered tea dress to support her man
Wife Victoria was last night the guest of honour at Range Rover’s 40th anniversary celebrations at Kensington Palace and the former Spice Girl told GMTV: 'David’s a big fan of Andy’s, we all are. He’s a great guy.'
Smiles: Nadal's girlfriends Maria Francisca Perello
She was seen heading back to Nice last night and didn't stay to watch what is certain to be a nail-biting match.
Her spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'Victoria flew back to France last night after the Range Rover announcement.
'David Beckham and Brooklyn are also just here for the day and will fly back to France to continue their holiday this evening.'
The Beckhams are on holiday in France for the next few weeks but will be flying in and out of London for professional and social commitments, she said.
Murray had looked relaxed and confident as he came on to court to be greeted by deafening cheers from a capacity crowd.
But the world number four, whose girlfriend Kim Sears and mother Judy were also in the crowd, was soon facing an uphill struggle after Nadal - whose girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello cheered him on from the stands - broke his serve to take the first set.
And despite Murray fighting back, Nadal eventually beat him in straight sets.
However, relations remained friendly between the pair after the game, with Nadal even taking the opportunity to whisper something to Murray as they met at the net.
Asked what he had said to the Scot, Nadal replied: 'I am sorry and wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season.'
Hard fought: Andy Murray lost in straight sets to Spain's Rafa Nadal during the men's singles semi-final
Passing ships: Victoria Beckham flew back to Nice by private jet last night after attending the Range Rover party in London and David and Brooklyn flew in today from the family's villa
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