Victoria Beckham’s recent gushing birthday tributes to her son Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, have sent ripples through the entertainment world, appearing to underscore complex family dynamics amidst ongoing rumors of a rift with eldest son Brooklyn Beckham and his wife, Nicola Peltz. The fashion icon’s public display of affection for Jackie, whom she called the “sweetest, kindest, most beautiful soul,” has been interpreted by many as a pointed statement, highlighting contrasting relationships within the Beckham clan.
On October 18, 2025, Victoria Beckham, 51, took to Instagram to share a series of heartfelt birthday wishes for Jackie Apostel, her son Cruz Beckham’s girlfriend. The former Spice Girl did not hold back her admiration, showering Jackie with praise and referring to her as the “sweetest, kindest, most beautiful soul.” This public endorsement has resonated with fans, particularly in light of ongoing speculation surrounding a rumored feud between the Beckhams and their eldest son, Brooklyn, and his wife, Nicola Peltz.
A Public Display of Affection and Adoration
Victoria’s Instagram stories were filled with tender messages for Jackie, who celebrated her 30th birthday. In one post, alongside a glamorous photo of the two women in black gowns, Victoria wrote, “To the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful soul. We all love you soooo much!!!” Another image showed them in matching grey suits in the back of a car, with Victoria adding, “Happy birthday!!!!! Love you!!!”
The tributes continued with a picture of Cruz Beckham, 20, kissing Jackie on the cheek. Victoria’s accompanying caption read, “Happy birthday, we hope you have an amazing day and can’t wait to celebrate you!!! We all love you @jackie.apostel.” Even David Beckham, 50, joined in the celebration, posting several images of himself with Jackie and thanking her for “creating the best version of yourself for my son,” as reported by Mirror.co.uk. This collective outpouring of affection from the Beckham parents clearly demonstrates Jackie’s deep integration into the family.
Cruz and Jackie: A Developing Romance
Cruz Beckham and Jackie Apostel’s relationship first garnered attention when they were spotted together at the Glastonbury Festival in July 2024. Prior sightings in April of the same year hinted at their burgeoning romance, with the couple officially linking up in October 2024. Their relationship has been a topic of public discussion, particularly due to their 10-year age gap; Cruz is 20 and Jackie is 30.
This age difference sparked comments on social media, to which Jackie bravely responded in October 2025. When questioned about dating someone younger, she famously retorted, “Because he’s kind, funny, smart, caring, driven, mature, talented, loyal, and also quite handsome,” a statement widely reported by Us Weekly. Her candid response quickly silenced critics and won over many fans.
Jackie’s Presence at Paris Fashion Week and Family Integration
Jackie’s growing importance within the Beckham family was further evidenced by her attendance at Victoria Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week show. She was not merely a guest but actively participated, posing on the red carpet and sitting front row alongside Cruz, brother Romeo Beckham, 23, sister Harper Beckham, 14, and their father David. Her presence highlighted a seamless integration into the family’s public life.
Following the show, Jackie publicly praised Victoria on social media, expressing her gratitude and joy at being part of the experience. She wrote, “What an incredible show and in my favourite dress yet, @victoriabeckham honoured to witness all of this come to life.” This reciprocal admiration suggests a strong and supportive relationship between Victoria and Jackie.
The Ongoing Shadow of the Brooklyn and Nicola Feud
The overt warmth shown towards Jackie comes amid a widely publicized and tense estrangement between the Beckham family and their eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, 26, and his wife, Nicola Peltz. Rumors of a feud began surfacing around Brooklyn and Nicola’s lavish April 2022 wedding. A key point of contention was reportedly Nicola’s decision to wear a Valentino Couture gown instead of a dress designed by Victoria’s own fashion label, as noted by AOL.com.
The rift appeared to reach a boiling point in May 2025, when Brooklyn and Nicola were notably absent from David Beckham’s 50th birthday party. At the time, sources close to the family indicated that David and Victoria had moved from “being sad and devastated to now accepting it and realizing there is nothing they can do,” as reported by Us Weekly. Brooklyn himself addressed the ongoing conflict in September 2025, telling the Daily Mail, “Everybody’s always going to talk trash. I just try and do it, play some golf with some friends. It’s a lot of fun.” He also acknowledged the support of his wife amid the scrutiny.
Contrasting Dynamics: Jackie vs. Nicola
The stark contrast between Victoria’s effusive praise for Jackie and the continued distance from Nicola Peltz has not gone unnoticed by fans and media alike. Victoria’s public tributes to Jackie are seen by many as a powerful statement, potentially signaling where her affections and comfort lie within the broader family circle.
Jackie Apostel’s seamless integration into the Beckham family, her participation in high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week, and the open affection from both Victoria and David stand in sharp relief to the ongoing reports of Brooklyn and Nicola’s detached relationship. This dynamic paints a clear picture of shifting alliances and differing levels of family harmony within the celebrity clan.