Former English football captain David Beckham was knighted by King Charles III on Tuesday, formally recognizing his substantial contributions to both sport and British society.
The ceremony, held in Berkshire, bestowed the title “Sir” upon the 50-year-old sports icon. Beckham was named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list, released last Christmas.
Expressing his immense pride, Beckham spoke of his deep love for his country and its monarchy.
“I couldn’t be more proud. People know how patriotic I am and how much I love my country,” Beckham said. “I have always said how important the monarchy is to my family.”
He added that his travels around the globe frequently brought questions about the British royal family. “I have been very lucky in my life to travel the world and everyone wanted to ask me about our monarchy,” he stated.
Beckham’s recognition acknowledges a decorated career in football. He earned 115 caps for England, captaining the national team for six years, and represented his country in two World Cups and two European Championship final tournaments.
At the club level, Beckham rose through the youth ranks at Manchester United, playing for 11 years and winning multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. He transferred to Real Madrid in 2003, securing a league championship there.
Later, he played for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States, with loan spells at AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, where he concluded his playing career in 2013. He is now a co-owner of Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team that features stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez.
Beyond the pitch, Beckham has been a prominent figure in humanitarian efforts, serving as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005.