David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay have spent a lot of time together — just not in the kitchen.
“We’ve been friends for about 22 years, and he’s cooked for me once. One time in 22 years!” David, 49, told PEOPLE while at Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner event in New York City.
The global ambassador for Stella Artois helped celebrate an evening full of moments “Worth More” in line with the brand’s latest campaign. For the athlete, that means creating “genuine connection” through food.
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“It’s why I love to cook. It’s why I love to eat. It’s why I always love to barbecue for the family because it really brings us together. Our family has always been a family that sits down at six o’clock every night — when we’re all in the same country,” he says.
“And we’ve always had Sunday roasts on the Sunday. I think that’s why I love to cook so much because I like to make my family happy, and I think they love my cooking.”
Beckham shares four children with his wife Victoria Beckham — Brooklyn Beckham, 25, Romeo Beckham, 22, Cruz Beckham, 19, and Harper Beckham, 13.
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Despite his own affinity for cooking, the former soccer pro noted it was none other than Ramsay, 57, who helped one of his boys learn how to cook a mean dish.
“One of my sons is obsessed with a beef Wellington — Gordon is famous for beef Wellington — and he taught my son how to do it for himself,” says David of the one time he’s eaten Ramsay’s cooking. “So he wasn’t even really cooking for us, but we ended up eating it anyway.”
Beckham also recalls a time with Ramsay “a few years back when we were in L.A., I went on one of his shows and we had a cook-off, which he obviously won,” he says with a laugh.
“I think he cheated in all honesty. He said you were allowed to add one ingredient right at the end, but it had to be a surprise. So I was like, ‘Okay, I’m just going to add something.’ I don’t know what it was, but he brought out fresh lobster,” adds David. “He got away with it!”
Ramsay spoke of their friendship with people for his cover story in 2023. “David, Victoria and the kids are just as normal as Tana and I,” he said. “Down to earth, hardworking and amazing foodies.”
