Cruz Beckham turns 21! David Beckham brands son 'fiercely loyal to family and friends' with thinly veiled reference to Brooklyn's ongoing estrangement as he leads tributes

David Beckham led the birthday tributes to 'kind, considerate and fiercely loyal' son Cruz in a pointed Instagram post on Friday morning as his estrangement from eldest child Brooklyn continues. 

The former Manchester United and England footballer was among the first family members to post birthday messages as the young musician celebrated his milestone 21st. 

Just days earlier, David and Victoria bankrolled a lavish, Beatles themed party for their son at Mayfair restaurant The Maine - an event attended by all except US based Brooklyn and his actress wife, Nicola Peltz. 

Sharing a video of Cruz as a child, the retired sportsman appeared to reference his eldest son's decision to distance himself from his immediate family in a post filled with platitudes for the young musician. 

'Happy 21st birthday to my little boy,' he wrote. 'Not so little anymore but the proudest thing that I am of you is the person and man that you have become, you are kind, considerate and fiercely loyal to your family , friends and everyone around you which makes you a very special person. 

'You are on your own journey in life and you are working hard and having fun which is what life is all about... We love you Cruzie and hope you have the most amazing day because you deserve to.' 

Signing off with a reference to his wife, he added: 'Well done mum on bringing up another special young man.'  

Elsewhere, Brother Romeo shared a throwback photo of himself and an infant Cruz alongside their fashion designer mother, with the accompanying caption: 'Love you bro.' 

Sharing her own tribute to the musician, his girlfriend Jackie Apostel wished a happy birthday to 'her human' alongside a recent image of Cruz. 

Sharing a separate montage of photos capturing her boyfriend from infancy to the present day, she added: 'You've been the exact same since day 0.' 

Elsewhere, proud aunt Jackie Adams - the younger sister of mum Victoria - wrote: 'Happy birthday to one of the most amazing humans I know.'