Cruz Beckham turned heads this week while vacationing on the family’s $21.2 million yacht in St. Tropez, echoing one of his father David Beckham’s most iconic fashion moments. The 20-year-old rocked a pair of $550 white Prada briefs while sunbathing on the deck, a bold nod to David’s headline-grabbing Speedo look from last year. As Cruz and younger brother Romeo enjoyed the sunshine and relaxed aboard the lavish yacht, the noticeable absence of their older brother Brooklyn once again stirred up ongoing speculation about tensions within the Beckham family.
Cruz’s choice of swimwear didn’t go unnoticed by fans or the press. The Prada briefs resembled the very same pair that David wore in viral photos last July—photos that drew widespread attention not just for their boldness, but because many fans were surprised to realize the elder Beckham wasn’t wearing traditional swim trunks at all. Instead, he confidently posed in high-fashion men’s underwear by Prada, challenging conventional beachwear norms. Cruz’s look this week came off as both a tribute and a playful parody of that now-iconic moment. The younger Beckham paired his swim briefs with nothing else as he strummed his guitar on deck, wakeboarded behind the yacht, and shared laughs with his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel.
Jackie, who is 29, was seen lounging beside Cruz, the couple appearing close and affectionate. They were photographed cuddling, laughing, and enjoying their time together—scenes that painted a romantic portrait amidst the glittering waters of the French Riviera. Their visible chemistry added a lighthearted, youthful energy to the family’s getaway, while their open affection stood in contrast to the increasingly distant presence of Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.
Romeo Beckham, 22, also joined the seaside escape, appearing relaxed as he chatted with Cruz and watched him wakeboard. Their 14-year-old sister Harper was also spotted onboard, smiling and enjoying the sun with her siblings. The whole family seemed to be savoring quality time together—at least those who were present.
The eldest Beckham sibling, however, remained miles away. Brooklyn, 26, was in New York, spending time with his wife Nicola and her family. He had recently been in France himself, but interestingly, he vacationed on a separate, more expensive yacht owned by his in-laws, with no overlap or reunion with his siblings or parents. This physical distance has only fueled ongoing rumors of a rift between Brooklyn and the rest of the Beckham clan.
Fans and tabloids alike haven’t been shy about noting the potential divide. Brooklyn’s absence from several family events this year hasn’t gone unnoticed. He missed his father’s 50th birthday celebration in May and skipped the current family trip to St. Tropez. While his siblings shared joyful photos from their yacht holiday, Brooklyn was seen in Manhattan, looking noticeably subdued alongside Nicola and her mother.
Social media activity has only deepened the speculation. Victoria Beckham, typically supportive of her children online, has reportedly liked all of Brooklyn’s Instagram posts in July—except those that featured Nicola. Conversely, Nicola has refrained from engaging with any of Victoria’s posts. Adding more fuel to the fire, insiders say Romeo and Cruz went as far as blocking Brooklyn and Nicola on Instagram. The move reportedly came after Brooklyn and Nicola posted a birthday tribute to Harper that included only David, Victoria, and Harper, leaving out Romeo and Cruz entirely.
That exclusion reportedly hurt the younger siblings, especially as Harper is said to have been very close to Brooklyn. It marked a rare public acknowledgment of strained ties within the family, and the online reaction was swift. Some fans speculated that Brooklyn’s growing closeness to Nicola’s side of the family may be contributing to the distance. Others wondered whether personal tensions or clashing priorities were at the root of the divide.
Back in St. Tropez, Cruz’s playful fashion moment and easygoing demeanor stood in contrast to the online commentary surrounding him. Though he drew comparisons to his dad, many commenters were quick to note the differences as well. “A pair of tight Speedos on a tanned, muscular body can be a joy to see. This is something else entirely and not particularly pleasant,” one joked. “He’s got a long way to go to be on his Dad’s level,” another added. Some critics noted that Cruz may be channeling David’s confidence, but doesn’t yet have the same physical presence or maturity. Still, others admired Cruz’s willingness to have fun and embrace the spotlight on his own terms.
The whole scene—Cruz in bold fashion, Romeo watching quietly, Harper enjoying time with her siblings, and Brooklyn missing entirely—seemed to underline the evolving dynamics of the Beckham family. For years, the Beckhams have presented a united front, with fans admiring their picture-perfect family moments. But now, the cracks appear more visible, especially as Brooklyn continues to forge his own path with Nicola.
Their decision not to visit the Beckham family home during a recent trip to London raised even more eyebrows. The shoot that brought them to the UK reportedly took place less than two miles from the family estate, yet they did not stop by. Some insiders say this is particularly difficult for Harper, who previously shared a close bond with her older brother and his wife.
While the Beckham family continues to generate headlines—whether through fashion choices, social media behavior, or yacht vacations—one thing remains clear: public interest in their relationships and personal lives isn’t going away anytime soon. And as Cruz steps into the spotlight, echoing his father’s style and charm, it’s evident that the next generation of Beckhams is ready to make its mark, even amid the family’s shifting dynamics.