By Dayo Ade Olusola | M10News.com
Category: Sports & Society | Date: June 14, 2025
London, UK – Former England football captain and global icon David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours list, in recognition of his enduring contribution to both sport and philanthropy.
The 50-year-old, who has long been considered one of Britain’s most influential cultural ambassadors, described the honour as a “truly humbling” moment.
Beckham, who grew up in East London, paid tribute to his family and roots upon receiving the accolade. “Growing up with patriotic parents and grandparents who were so proud to be British, I never imagined I would one day be knighted,” he said. “It will take time for the news to sink in, but I’m immensely proud. This is a deeply emotional moment for me and my family.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said captaining the national team remained the “greatest privilege” of his playing career. “It was a boyhood dream come true,” Beckham added. “Off the pitch, I’ve had the fortune to represent Britain globally and work with incredible organisations supporting communities and inspiring the next generation.”
Beckham’s knighthood crowns a career that has transcended sport. From football glory to philanthropic advocacy, his influence spans continents, age groups, and industries.
A founding member of Manchester United’s iconic “Class of ’92,” Beckham was central to the club’s dominant era, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League during the 1998-99 treble-winning season.
In a statement congratulating their former player, Manchester United said: “All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David Beckham on this richly-deserved honour.
David has become not only a legend of this club but a magnificent ambassador for the English game.”
His international career, while not without controversy, is remembered for its moments of brilliance. After a turbulent 1998 World Cup where he was sent off for kicking Argentina’s Diego Simeone, Beckham’s redemption arc saw him captaining England and scoring one of the most iconic goals in English football history — a last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 that secured qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
Following stints at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham retired from professional football in 2013.
His post-retirement ventures have included founding MLS team Inter Miami, whose profile skyrocketed in 2023 after signing Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
Yet Beckham’s legacy is not limited to footballing milestones. His marriage to Victoria Beckham (née Adams) of the Spice Girls elevated him to a level of pop-cultural stardom rare among athletes.
Away from the spotlight, his enduring partnership with UNICEF has had a profound humanitarian impact. Since 2005, Beckham has served as a goodwill ambassador for the organisation, championing global children’s rights.
Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive of UNICEF UK, welcomed the knighthood. “David has done an incredible amount to advocate for children’s rights over the last 20 years,” he said. “He’s travelled extensively to see UNICEF’s work firsthand and has used his platform to raise awareness, support campaigns like Soccer Aid, and drive global fundraising efforts. We are thrilled by this recognition.”
Beckham was also recently appointed an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, further aligning his charitable work with royal initiatives.
He is among a host of prominent sporting figures recognised in this year’s honours list. Virginia Wade, who won Wimbledon in 1977 and remains one of Britain’s most successful tennis players, has been elevated to Commander of the British Empire (CBE). Wade, a trailblazer in women’s sport, also won the US Open and Australian Open during a distinguished career.
In the world of darts, both world champion Luke Littler, 17, and world No.1 Luke Humphries have been awarded MBEs for their rapid rise and contributions to the sport. Littler, in particular, has captured public imagination with his youth and skill, bringing new audiences to the game.
Other honourees include two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee, awarded an OBE, and legendary Paralympic swimmer Monica Vaughan, who dominated in the 1970s with 10 gold medals and now receives the same honour.
Former England fast bowler Devon Malcolm, remembered for his fiery pace and devastating spells, also became an OBE.
Elsewhere, Oldham Athletic’s return to the English Football League has been matched by recognition for club owner Frank Rothwell, who receives an OBE for his tireless fundraising and support of dementia research.
Rothwell famously rowed solo across the Atlantic to raise money for Alzheimer ”” s-related causes.
Additional sporting honours were given to Euro 2022 winner Rachel Daly, one of the stars of England’s women’s football renaissance, and 17-time wheelchair tennis Grand Slam champion Andy Lapthorne—both of whom receive MBEs.
This year’s King’s Birthday Honours reflect a wide-ranging recognition of achievement across the spectrum of British sport, celebrating not just those who reached the top but those whose efforts continue to inspire and empower communities beyond the field of play.
As for Beckham, he remains a uniquely British figure—simultaneously a footballer, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and cultural icon. His knighthood, many will argue, is long overdue.
Published by F. Dayo Olusola for M10News.com
Category: Sports & Society
Contact: info@m10news.com
