Sir David Beckham: From Football Hero to Knighted Legend
Last weekend, David Beckham received a knighthood from King Charles III in the 2025 Birthday Honours, recognising his outstanding contributions to sport and charity. At 50, Beckham — the ex-England captain and international icon — is now officially Sir David Beckham, while his wife, Victoria, becomes Lady Beckham.
A Legacy in Sport and Beyond
Beckham enjoyed an extraordinary career: he earned 115 caps for England, captained the team for nearly six years, and won league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the USA, and France. After retiring, he stayed in the game as co-owner of Inter Miami CF, and a part-owner of Salford City, while also building a strong presence in fashion and media. He remains deeply involved in philanthropy, including his long-running role as a UNICEF ambassador, since 2005.
A Humbling Honour, Years in the Making
The 50-year-old ex-footballer said he was “immensely proud” to receive the honour. He was previously appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, and joined The King’s Foundation last year to support educational programmes and nature initiatives led by King Charles. He expressed gratitude for being able to represent his country both on and off the pitch — and for using that platform to give back.
In his statement after receiving the knighthood, David Beckham reflected:
To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.
Life After Football
Beckham’s knighthood marks a rare recognition of a footballer’s influence that stretches far beyond the pitch. It celebrates not just his achievements in sport, but his commitment to social impact and global ambassadorship. This honour crowns a journey defined by legacy, leadership, and loyalty.
Ready for More?
Curious for more stories about David Beckham? Check out this story about the first-ever BOSS collection co-designed with David Beckham.
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