David Beckham was marking his 30th birthday today amid continued press speculation about his private life.

The England and Real Madrid football star, pictured, and his wife Victoria featured prominently in tabloid papers at the weekend as rumours about the breakdown of their marriage reached fever pitch.

Earlier revelations from their former nanny Abbie Gibson in a Sunday newspaper claimed the couple were unhappy. Last week, the pair took legal action against the ex-nanny to prevent her disclosing any more information.

During the hearing, the High Court heard how the couple had fought but were still happily married.

As if to prove it, Mrs Beckham has reportedly bought her husband a £15,000 watch. She has also planned a £500,000 birthday party for the football star at their home in Madrid, a national newspaper reported.