David Beckham has paid tribute to his son Brooklyn Beckham on his 17th birthday.

Brooklyn Beckham

Brooklyn Beckham

The retired soccer star took to Instagram to share an old picture of himself and Brooklyn, calling him a "precious gift" who has "changed our lives in so many ways".

He wrote: "17 years ago on this day this little man came into this world and changed our life's in so many ways ...

"We were given the most precious gift that makes us smile and proud every time he walks through the door ... Not so little anymore but look at the smile. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUST (sic)"

Meanwhile, David - who also has Romeo, 13, Cruz, 11 and Harper, four, with wife Victoria Beckham - previously revealed the 41-year-old fashion designer is finding it difficult to see her eldest son dating.

He shared: "I think it's easier for me than Brooklyn's mum, you know? To see her little boy go out and date ... Obviously for mums I think it's slightly more difficult with the boys but obviously once Harper [their daughter] starts [dating] ... I don't even want to think about that at the moment."