See how soccer celeb David Beckham reacted after Miami leaders approved his stadium

Pinch him: After a nine-year battle, David Beckham’s dream in the 305 has come true.

Magic City, indeed.

On Thursday, the Miami City Commission voted 4-1 to lease 73 acres of city-owned land for a Major League Soccer stadium and commercial center, a massive complex that will host home games for the retired footballer’s Inter Miami team.

Soon after the announcement, Beckham took to Instagram to thank his fans for their “support, patience and passion.”

“YOUR DREAM IS A REALITY,” said the caption, with a video that starts with a suited-up Beckham fist-pumping in the air.

The 46-year-old Brit also thanked the city Of Miami and the officials who had a hand in making the mega-deal happen.

Beckham, along with his partners Jorge and Jose Mas were awarded a 99-year lease to develop Miami Freedom Park.

The soccer complex will rise on the site of the city’s only publicly owned golf course — Melreese Country Club near Miami International Airport. It will include a 40,000-seat stadium, hotel, shops, playing fields and a 58-acre park.

There was more rejoicing on Beckham’s team’s Instagram page: “Today is a historic day for Inter Miami CF, the City of Miami Commission passed a vote to make Miami Freedom Park a reality. It’s official! Miami Freedom Park is coming to the City of Miami!”

Wife Victoria Beckham shared the happy news on her Stories with her 29.9 million folllowers: “Sooo exciting! Congratulations!”

You can bet this famous family is relieved. Despite Beckham failing to get the waterfront stadium he first envisioned, he is back in Miami, and closer to to their luxe digs downtown. The team’s temporary home for the last three years has been the old Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, rebranded DRV PNK Stadium.

Another emotional local (and huge Inter Miami CF proponent)? Mayor Francis Suarez.

“I have never been prouder to be a Miamian than I am today,” he told reporters after the vote.

READ MORE: City says yes to Freedom Park, but where and when will the stadium be built?

This story was originally published April 29, 2022 at 12:00 PM.

Madeleine Marr

Miami Herald

Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.