Sir David! English Soccer Legend David Beckham to Be Knighted by King Charles III
The former England and Manchester United legend will soon become ‘Sir’ David Beckham.
After nearly a decade and half of longing, David Beckham’s quest for knighthood will officially come to an end after the 50-year-old former pillar of the Premier League pitch accepts the prestigious honor from King Charles himself.
The crowning achievement for Beckham is set to take place as part of King Charles’ Birthday Honors next week in London, England.
David Beckham’s journey to knighthood
Beckham, whose famous feet are no strangers to praise – Hugh Grant’s Love Actually character couldn’t help but mention them alongside The Beatles, William Shakespeare, Sean Connery, and a certain wizard from Hogwarts that Britain also claims – first received his Order of the British (OBE) officer appointment in 2003 from Queen Elizabeth II. Though the legendary ex-talisman from Manchester United and England’s national team was put forward for knighthood after he helped England secure the 2012 Olympic Games in London, his path to knighthood was derailed when he was hit with alleged financial tax fraud – accusations which he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.
As one of the most recognizable faces throughout the entire global history of the sport, Beckham made 115 appearances for England’s national team, serving as captain for six years. While his senior career saw him on stints with the LA Galaxy, AC Milan, Paris St-Germain, and Real Madrid (he was the first English player to win league titles in four different countries), Beckham spent a majority of his time with then Premier League heavyweights Manchester United. Beckham and the Red Devils’ storied manager Sir Alex Ferguson may have had a fractured relationship at different points, but Becks served as the engine behind half a dozen Premier League titles for Old Trafford, netting 62 goals in his 265 matches with the club. Regarded as one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time, Beckham’s unparalleled accuracy with crosses made him a lethal asset from nearly anywhere on the pitch.
David Beckham’s charity work
David Beckham’s masterful artistry on the field may be what he’s best known for, but it’s his charity work that continues to matter most on a global level. As an ambassador to UNICEF since 2005, Beckham has been a staunch advocate to end childhood hunger and abuse, supporting life-saving vaccinations and elevating health and sanitation standards in struggling areas around the world. Beckham’s efforts have led to him raising more than £50 million for the foundation.
In addition to his 20-year tenure with UNICEF, Beckham was also tapped in 2024 to be an ambassador for The King’s Foundation.
"I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons, and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature," Beckham noted to People. "Having developed a love for the countryside, I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation’s work."
Upon hearing about his upcoming knighthood, Beckham’s former England teammate Wayne Rooney heaped praise on his friend and global icon.
"He is a great ambassador for football and the country," stated Rooney, per BBC Sport. “We all see the charity work that he has done for many years and I am sure he will continue to do that. …You don't get to his level worldwide if you don't work hard. He was persistent and kept going to get the reward he deserved."
What does knighthood mean?
Dating back to Roman times and long regarded as one of the most illustrious titles one can earn, to be bestowed with the immense honor of knighthood means you have made truly meaningful contributions to society, such as Beckham’s extensive work with UNICEF.
“While in past centuries knighthoods used to be awarded solely for military merit, today they also recognize significant contributions to national life,” outlines the Royal UK site. “Recipients range from actors to scientists, and from school head teachers to industrialists.”
While Beckham doesn’t receive any additional monetary gifts for being knighted, the co-owner of the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF will enjoy indirect benefits such as reputation enhancement, increased visibility, and access to future opportunities. Of course, the addition of ‘Sir’ goes without saying for him, and his wife Victoria Beckham, who famously helped front the iconic Spice Girls as Posh Spice, will garner the new title of ‘Lady Beckham.’
How many footballers (aka soccer players) have been knighted?
While Beckham’s impending knighthood is certainly a critical lifetime achievement worthy of praise, Beckham is not the first Englishman from the Premier League to receive this pinnacle of prestigious honors, as Sir Alex Gerguson, who managed Becks on Man United, achieved the same accolade in 1999. Excluding the honorary knighthoods, a total of 15 footballers have been officially knighted. Here’s the full list:
• Sir Hubert Ashton
• Lord (Ian) Botham*
• Sir Trevor Brooking
• Sir Matt Busby
• Sir Bobby Charlton
• Sir Charles Clegg
• Sir Kenny Dalglish
• Sir Alex Ferguson
• Sir Tom Finney
• Sir Geoff Hurst
• Sir Stanley Matthews
• Sir Alf Ramsey
• Sir Bobby Robson
• Sir Gareth Southgate
• Sir Walter Winterbottom
* While Lord Botham was knighted (and then ennobled) for his contributions to the sport of cricket, he also tallied 11 Football League appearances for Scunthorpe United, per BBC.
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