David Beckham Knighted at Windsor Castle
On Tuesday, former England captain Sir David Beckham received a knighthood at Windsor Castle, honoring his contributions to both sports and charitable endeavors. The 50-year-old football icon expressed immense pride in this recognition, stating his deep love for his country and the monarchy.
David Beckham’s Football Career
Beckham is a celebrated figure in football, having represented England 115 times and captaining the national team in 59 matches. His storied career includes six Premier League titles with Manchester United, where he developed through the youth academy. After Manchester United, he played for notable clubs such as Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan before retiring in 2013.
Current Ventures
- Co-owner and president of MLS team Inter Miami, known for signing Lionel Messi.
- Part-owner of Salford City, a team competing in League Two.
Charitable Efforts
Beyond his football career, Beckham has been an active supporter of various charitable causes. He has served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005, demonstrating a strong commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Knighthood and Recent Honors
In 2022, Beckham was appointed an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity established by King Charles in 1990. His acknowledgment highlights his status as a “huge royalist” who appreciates the role of the monarchy.
Beckham’s Personal Life
David Beckham married Victoria Beckham in 1999. They have four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper. Known for his fashion sense, Beckham was recognized as the Most Stylish Man of the Year by GQ in 1998.
King’s Birthday Honours List 2023
Beckham was among several distinguished individuals honored during the King’s Birthday celebrations. Other recipients included:
- Nobel Prize-winner: Sir Kazuo Ishiguro
- West End performer: Dame Elaine Paige
Recognitions and Awards
| Award | Name | For |
|---|---|---|
| Knighthood | David Beckham | Services to sport and to charity |
| CBE | Virginia Wade | Services to tennis and to charity |
| OBE | Alistair Brownlee | Services to triathlon and to charity |
| MBE | Rachel Daly | Services to association football |
David Beckham’s knighthood not only celebrates his achievements on the pitch but also his enduring impact off it, making him a beloved figure in both sports and philanthropy.
