Former England captain Sir David Beckham has been officially knighted in recognition of his contributions to football and British society.
The 50-year-old, included in King Charles’ Birthday Honours list earlier this year, received the honour from the King at a ceremony held in Berkshire on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t be prouder,” Beckham stated. “People know how patriotic I am – I love my country.
I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family.
I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.”
Accompanied by his wife Victoria and parents Sandra and David at Windsor Castle, Beckham wore a custom suit designed by Victoria, who earned an OBE in 2017 for her work in fashion.
“[King Charles] was quite impressed with my suit,” Beckham noted. “He’s the most elegantly dressed man that I know, so he inspired quite a few of my looks over the years and he definitely inspired this look. It was something that my wife made me.
I looked at old pictures of him when he was quite young in morning suits and I was like ‘OK, that’s what I want to wear’ – so I gave it to my wife and she did it.”
Beckham earned 115 caps for England, serving as captain for six years from 2000 to 2006. He represented the national team in three World Cups and two European Championships.
Rising through Manchester United’s academy in 1992, he spent 11 seasons with the first team before transferring to Real Madrid in 2003 for £25m.
After four years in Spain, he moved to LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, with loan stints at AC Milan, and concluded his playing career at Paris St-Germain in 2013.
His influence reaches beyond football. Born in east London, Beckham helped secure the 2012 Olympics for the city.
He has partnered with Unicef since 2005, with a fund established in his name in 2015 to celebrate 10 years of collaboration.
Previously awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, Beckham waited over 12 hours in 2022 to pay respects as the Queen lay in state.
“It’s special to be here, to celebrate and to hear the different stories that people have,” he reflected at the time.
In 2024, Beckham became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, aiding educational initiatives and promoting youth awareness of nature.
He co-owns League Two club Salford City with former Manchester United and England colleague Gary Neville, and is also a co-owner of MLS franchise Inter Miami.
