Former England captain David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles at a ceremony in Berkshire on Tuesday.
The 50-year-old was named on the King’s Birthday Honours list earlier this year and received his knighthood for his services to football and British society.
“It’s such a big moment for our family and it’s so special,” Beckham told reporters. “I’m very proud to have such a special honour given to me. I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London; always wanted to be a professional footballer; and then I’m stood here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world,” he said, adding that “it doesn’t get any better”
David Beckham knighted by King Charles at Berkshire ceremony
Beckham played 115 times for England and captained the team for six years between 2000 and 2006. He represented his country at three World Cups and two European Championships.
The midfielder emerged from Manchester United’s academy in 1992 and spent 11 years in the first team before joining Real Madrid in 2003.
He played for four years in the Spanish capital before joining Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy. Beckham had two loan spells at AC Milan during his time in Los Angeles, before finishing his career at Paris St-Germain in 2013.
Former England captain receives knighthood at 50
Born in east London, Beckham played a role in securing the 2012 Olympics for London. He has worked with humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005 and had a fund named in his honour in 2015 to mark a decade-long partnership between the two.
Beckham became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles’ education programme and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature.
He part-owns League Two side Salford City alongside former United and England team-mate Gary Neville, and is also co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami.
