LONDON, U.K. — Football legend David Beckham has been knighted in King Charles III’s official Birthday Honours List, finally earning the title “Sir” for his outstanding contribution to sport and philanthropy.
The former England captain, now 50, joins the ranks of distinguished Britons recognised with one of the nation’s highest honours.
His knighthood crowns a decades-long career that spans success on the pitch, enduring global celebrity, and significant charitable work.
Beckham’s elevation to knighthood comes more than 20 years after he received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 2003.
It recognises not just his record-breaking football career, but also his extensive charity involvement, including nearly two decades as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and, more recently, as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation.
A Sporting Icon
Beckham earned 115 caps for England—59 as captain—and was a key figure in Manchester United’s dominant “Class of ’92.”
He helped the club secure six Premier League titles before stints with European giants Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
In 2007, he became one of the most high-profile players to move to the United States, joining LA Galaxy and helping to raise the profile of Major League Soccer.
Even in retirement, Beckham has remained active in the sport. He is co-owner of Inter Miami CF in the MLS and League Two’s Salford City FC.
His efforts to bring international stars like Lionel Messi to Inter Miami have only added to his influence in global football.
Service Beyond the Game
Beyond the pitch, Beckham has spent years championing social causes.
Since 2005, he has worked closely with UNICEF to support vulnerable children worldwide.
In 2024, he expanded his philanthropic footprint by becoming an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, which focuses on sustainable communities through education and placemaking.
He also played a role in the UK’s successful bid to host the 2012 London Olympics and supported the country’s attempt to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Long-Awaited Honour
Though widely expected to receive a knighthood years ago, Beckham’s journey to the title wasn’t without controversy.
A proposed nomination in 2011 reportedly stalled due to tax-related concerns.
In 2017, leaked emails appeared to show Beckham’s frustration with the honours system, but his representatives insisted the messages were taken out of context and “doctored.”
Now, the honour has finally been bestowed.
“Sir David” Joins Elite Company
By receiving a knighthood, Beckham enters an elite circle of British sports stars such as Sir Lewis Hamilton, Sir Andy Murray, and Dame Kelly Holmes.
Other iconic figures knighted for their cultural impact include Sir Elton John and Sir David Attenborough.
As tradition dictates, Beckham’s wife Victoria—herself an OBE recipient for services to fashion—may now use the courtesy title “Lady Beckham,” should she choose to adopt it.
