English football legend David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III in a ceremony held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, officially becoming Sir David Beckham.
When the moment came to receive his knighthood, the former England captain dropped to one knee — bending it, quite literally, like Beckham — as King Charles tapped his shoulders with a sword, conferring one of Britain’s highest honours.
“This is without doubt my proudest moment,” Beckham said following the ceremony. “I’ve been very lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and done what I’ve done, but to receive an honour like this — to be knighted — is beyond anything I ever thought possible.”
Beckham, 50, was recognised for his outstanding services to sport and charity. His knighthood was first announced in June as part of the King’s birthday honours list.
Beyond his illustrious football career, Beckham has long been admired for his charitable work. He has served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF for two decades, championing the rights and welfare of children worldwide. He has also supported efforts to eradicate malaria through a UK-based initiative.
In addition to his philanthropy, Beckham played a key role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
Throughout his sporting career, Beckham became one of the most recognisable figures in world football. He remains the only English player to have scored in three different World Cups and was instrumental in Manchester United’s historic treble-winning season in 1999 — when the club clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles.
Beckham earned 115 caps for the England national team, ranking third on the all-time list, and captained the side 59 times. After leaving Manchester United in 2003 — a move that broke the hearts of many fans — he went on to play for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan (on loan), and Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in 2013.
Today, Beckham is a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club that recently made global headlines after signing Lionel Messi.
Off the pitch, Beckham has built an enduring global brand, blending his sporting legacy with fashion and business. Married to Victoria “Posh” Beckham of the Spice Girls, the couple’s new titles — Sir David and Lady Victoria Beckham— mark another milestone in their storied lives under the public eye.
Melissa Enoch
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