David Beckham has paid tribute to his "beautiful, passionate" wife on her 42nd birthday.

Victoria Beckham's cards (c) Instagram

Victoria Beckham's cards (c) Instagram

The retired soccer star promised he and children Brooklyn, 17, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 11, and four-year-old Harper would "spoil" fashion designer wife Victoria Beckham on her special day today (17.04.16).

He wrote on Instagram: "Happy birthday to this beautiful passionate woman..... Have the most amazing day and let us spoil you because you deserve to be spoilt by your husband and our gorgeous children.."

And the sportsman also spoke of his pride in the former Spice Girls star's achievements.

He added: "In 42 years you have been able to achieve so much and it feels you are only just starting .... Happy birthday we love you (sic)"

Victoria was delighted to be celebrating her birthday with her family.

She posted: "It's my birthday!!!!! I feel so happy X A beautiful day with my wonderful husband and beautiful babies!!!! X #blessed X kisses VB (sic)"

She also shared a picture of the cards she had received from her kids on Instagram and captioned the image: "From my babies 🙏🏻X #luckymummy X kisses VB X"

Inside one of the cards, it read: "Dear Mummy Happy Birthday Have a great day Love Harper (sic)"

And another read: "Dear mummy Happy Birthday I love you so much. You look 19 (sic)"