Football star Sir David Beckham’s long awaited knighthood has finally arrived as we take a look at all the hard work he’s put in to receiving the honour from King Charles
Sir David Beckham has waited for years for the day he can officially add the elusive title to his name. After dedicating his life to football, becoming one of England’s greats, and turning his hand to charity, he has finally been recognised for his work.
This week, he was snapped attending the King’s Foundation Awards ceremony at St James’ Palace in London – ahead of the official announcement of his long-awaited knighthood. The football star, who received an OBE for his services to football in 2003, sported an OBE badge in his lapel and a silk pocket square in his jacket pocket.
His long-awaited title will make David a Sir and his wife, Victoria Beckham, a Lady. Speaking of his achievement, Sir David said: “Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British ,I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour.
David has finally become a Sir(Image: Getty Images)
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.”
He added in a statement to PA news agency: “I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”
As Sir David celebrates his momentous achievement, we look at the hard work he put in to get him that all-important title…
Upbringing
Receiving a knighthood would have been more than a distant dream for David when he used to earn £10 a shift collecting glasses at Walthamstow dog track. Telling the aspiring young footballer he would go on to play for Manchester United and Real Madrid, captain England, marry a pop star and become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, fronting global brands, might well have seemed just as far-fetched.
Born in Leytonstone, east London, David had a trial at local team Leyton Orient and also attended Tottenham’s school of excellence – but his father Ted, a staunch Manchester United fan, remained determined he would go on to play at Old Trafford.
After coming through the club’s academy as part of the famed Class of 92, David announced himself to the Premier League on the opening day of the 1996-97 season with a memorable goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon.
Football
He stands third on the all-time England appearance list with 115 caps(Image: Bob Thomas Sports Photography via Getty Images)
Despite having plenty of doubters, David answered them and more, claiming six Premier League titles and two FA Cups with Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering side as well as a dramatic 1999 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp.
International success, however, proved elusive for David as England’s so-called golden generation repeatedly came up short. In his Netflix series, Beckham, he revealed he still cannot forgive himself for the abuse his family suffered amid the fallout from his red card at the 1998 World Cup.
It came after he kicked the back of Diego Simeone’s leg during the last-16 clash against Argentina in Saint-Etienne, which left him a “mess”. A pub hung up an effigy of the midfielder, and David received a hostile reception from rival fans around the country when he returned to action for United the following season.
Amid all the hate, he went on to become an integral part of the national team. He took on the armband in 2000 for six years through two World Cup tournaments and still stands third on the all-time appearance list with 115 caps.
However, the continued glare of the spotlight off the pitch saw his relationship with Ferguson cool – a cut eye from a boot kicked by the Scot in the changing room further fuelling speculation over his future at United.
In the summer of 2003, having made almost 400 appearances for United and scoring 85 goals, a £ 25 million switch to Real Madrid followed as David became the latest Galactico signing by club president Florentino Perez. He would go on to win the LaLiga title before he departed for LA Galaxy in 2007 and collected the MLS Cup twice, spending two loan stints at AC Milan along the way.
In January 2013, Beckham returned to Europe with Paris St Germain, later announcing his decision to retire at the end of the season, when he signed off with a Ligue 1 winners’ medal.
Charity work and beyond
David is an Ambassador for The King’s Foundation(Image: AP)
David’s impact off the pitch had already long been established before eventually hanging up his boots at the age of 38. Already thinking about life after football during his time in the United States, he became a co-owner of the Inter Miami franchise.
The club entered Major League Soccer for the 2020 campaign and now boasting Lionel Messi on the teamsheet. A multi-million-pound lifetime deal with Adidas, signed in 2003, had secured his financial future away from the game.
David Beckham has officially received his knighthood (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Other lucrative, high-profile endorsements down the years have ranged from fashion designers Calvin Klein, Armani and Hugo Boss to tech giants Samsung, Haig Club whisky and Stella Artois as well as kitchen appliance manufacturer Ninja. David, who was made an OBE for services to football in 2003, has long been involved with children’s charity UNICEF, and is a co-owner of film production company Studio 99.
In 2024, David was appointed Ambassador for The King’s Foundation which works globally to create sustainable communities through placemaking projects and also transform lives through practical education programmes.
