Manchester United and England legend David Beckham has officially received his long-awaited knighthood from King Charles III, marking a historic moment in his illustrious career.
The honour, awarded for his services to sport and charity, was presented during a royal ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday, attended by his wife Victoria Beckham, now formally known as Lady Beckham, and their children.
From East London dreams to global stardom
Beckham’s journey from humble beginnings in east London to global football superstardom is well documented.
Rising through Manchester United’s academy, he made his senior debut in 1992 and became a key figure under Sir Alex Ferguson, playing a crucial role in the club’s legendary 1999 treble-winning season.
His international fame grew further following his 2003 transfer to Real Madrid, where he won the La Liga title before later joining LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Beckham earned 115 England caps and captained the national team for six years, redeeming himself in the eyes of fans after his infamous 1998 World Cup red card by scoring a dramatic free-kick against Greece to seal England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
‘A very proud day’ for the Beckham family
Reflecting on the honour, Beckham said: “I grew up in the East End of London in a very humble family, and my dream was always to play for Manchester United and my country. To be honoured today by His Majesty the King is truly surreal, it’s a very proud day for us as a family.”
He added that the royal family’s significance had always been deeply rooted in his upbringing:
“The monarchy has always been very important in our family… To be here and receive a knighthood by His Majesty is something I’ll never forget.”
Beyond Football: Beckham’s humanitarian and royal service
Away from the pitch, Beckham has established himself as a global ambassador for social causes.
He played a key role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics, has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, and in 2024, was appointed ambassador for the King’s Foundation, supporting education and youth initiatives.
A devoted royalist, Beckham famously queued for 12 hours to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth II after her passing in 2022, a testament to the values that underpin both his public and personal life.
