Beckham first man to grace Elle magazine cover

London, May 31 (IANS) Soccer ace David Beckham has become the first man to be featured on the cover of fashion magazine Elle.

"David Beckham is a national hero. He is an icon and Elle is known for featuring icons on its cover. This is a first for us on the newsstand and I believe he is loved by men and women alike," magazine editor Lorraine Candy was quoted as saying by dailymail.co.uk.

"Anyway, who doesn't want to see a picture of one of the world's most handsome man on the front cover of a magazine? It will be a collector's issue," she said.

Beckham was photographed by Doug Inglish for the magazine and will feature in a 11-page spread.