David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours, describing it as a “truly humbling honour” he never imagined receiving.
The former England football captain expressed deep emotion about the recognition.
“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,” Sir David said in a statement.
The 50-year-old footballer called playing for and captaining England “the greatest privilege of my career, and literally a boyhood dream come true.” He said the news would take time to sink in, but that he was “immensely proud” to share this emotional moment with his family.
The honour comes after a wait of more than 10 years for the retired footballer. Beckham received an OBE in 2003 but was reportedly on the brink of a knighthood in the 2014 New Year’s Honours list.
According to previous reports, HM Revenue and Customs raised concerns about his nomination at that time due to his involvement in an alleged tax avoidance scheme. This resulted in the honour being withheld.
Reports in 2021 suggested his financial matters had been resolved and he had become eligible for a knighthood once again. The recognition has now finally materialised in this year’s Birthday Honours list.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star recently marked his 50th birthday and has been honoured for his contributions to sport and charitable causes.
Sir David has been recognised for his services to sport and charity, particularly his partnerships with Unicef and his campaigning with Malaria No More, an organisation working to eradicate the disease.
“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 said.
The footballer expressed gratitude for being able to do work that brings him “so much fulfilment” and for being recognised for it.
Just one day before the honour was announced, Sir David was photographed speaking with the King at a St James’s Palace ceremony for the monarch’s foundation, where the retired footballer serves as an ambassador.
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Sir David joins several other prominent figures receiving honours, including actor Gary Oldman and The Who singer Roger Daltrey, who have both been knighted.
Sir Roger, 81, who has been a patron of Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, said he was “very humbled” by the recognition for his services to charity and music. “It’s a dream come true for me, but it’s especially a dream because the charity means so much,” he said.
Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been made MBEs for their services to broadcasting.
Daly, 56, described the honour as “the greatest surprise of my life,” whilst Winkleman, 53, said she was “incredibly grateful” and would celebrate with Daly “by doing a paso doble.”