Since THAT halfway line goal against Wimbledon in 1996 the former Manchester United and England midfielder has rarely been away from our screens or back pages.

We know he married Posh Spice, we know he copped a boot on the head from Sir Alex Ferguson and we know his other half refers to him as Golden Balls.

We know he has tattoos, we know each of his hairstyles and we all know he went from 1998 villain to hero with the national football team.

But do we know how much the Londoner does for those not as fortunate as him?

On Saturday afternoon, Beckham will lead out a Great Britain side at a packed Old Trafford.

The match, against a Rest of the World side made up of his old cronies from across the globe, will raise thousands for the children’s charity UNICEF.

It has been no small undertaking. At one point Beckham almost brought together warring duo Ferguson and Roy Keane. Had it not been for a calf injury, Rio Ferdinand was set to line up alongside Ashley Cole and John Terry.

But that is the least of it. The game at the Theatre of Dreams is the last of seven in each of the world’s continents.

Earlier this month Beckham, in his 10th year as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was in a refugee camp in Dijbouti, meeting children and families displaced by conflict in nearby countries.

The Ali Addeh camp holds more than 10,000 refugees from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. It is fair to say that when Beckham arrived there was some excitement.

There was also publicity of the plight of those stationed there, which was kind of the point.

‘As a father it breaks my heart to see children living in such difficult circumstances,’ he said.

Words that would strike a chord with most, especially when they come from the former England captain.

Beckham is also a founding member of Malaria No More and a supporter of Help for Heroes.

In 2010 he flew to Afghanistan to meet British forces serving in Helmand.

As if this was not enough, the charity he runs with his wife, The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, has raised more than £1m in five years.

Their work has helped sick and disabled across the planet.

A recent poll of 1,000 found that more than half believed Beckham should not be knighted.

If they are right then we may as well give up.

Beckham won 115 England caps, and singlehandedly got us into the 2002 World Cup.

He captained the side of six years and have his all for the Three Lions.

He is an ambassador not just for UNICEF but for this country, having won friends wherever he has played.

The next time those at Buckingham Palace discuss who gets the sword on the shoulders, Beckham should be top of the list.

Arise, Sir David of Leytonstone.
David Beckham’s impact on and off the field is undeniable. Beyond his footballing skills and celebrity status, Beckham has dedicated much of his time and efforts to charitable causes, making a difference in the lives of many less fortunate individuals.One of Beckham’s most notable charitable endeavors is his involvement with UNICEF. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization, Beckham has traveled to various parts of the world to raise awareness and funds for children in need. From refugee camps in Djibouti to meeting with British forces in Afghanistan, Beckham has shown his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others.In addition to his work with UNICEF, Beckham is also a founding member of Malaria No More and a supporter of Help for Heroes. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the charity he runs with his wife, The Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, has raised over £1 million in just five years. This money has been instrumental in helping sick and disabled individuals across the globe.Despite his philanthropic work, there are still some who question whether Beckham deserves to be knighted. However, with 115 England caps, a stellar football career, and his dedication to charitable causes, it is clear that Beckham is more than deserving of such an honor. His impact as an ambassador for both UNICEF and the UK as a whole has been significant, earning him respect and admiration from people around the world.As Beckham prepares to lead a Great Britain side in a charity match at Old Trafford, it is evident that his influence extends far beyond the football pitch. His commitment to making a difference in the world serves as a reminder of the positive impact that one individual can have. David Beckham truly embodies the qualities of a humanitarian and should be recognized for his contributions to society.