David Beckham turns 37 today, as he continues his MLS career with LA Galaxy.
Ten years ago, his right metatarsal was the subject of front page splashes as tabloids urged England fans to pray his foot healed in time for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Beckham would be fit (just about), and despite a series of subdued performances he still scored the winner against Argentina in one of England's most memorable World Cup victories.
Now, he is as much a celebrity as he is a footballer. Happily sold for £25m by Manchester United in 2003, he would go on to win just one trophy in his four seasons at Real Madrid - and that Primera Liga title came in his final appearance.
But his lust for glamour should not detract from what is one of football's greatest ever right foots. Should Dr Frankenstein want to muster up the perfect footballer, Beckham's right foot arguably trumps all other options.
Nostalgically, it is only fitting that in his day of celebration his right foot is celebrated during his pomp...
Every England goal:
Dead-good dead-ball goals:
Rolling back the years with Milan:
Scoring in LA: