David Beckham has finally been awarded a knighthood after he was included in King Charles’ Birthday Honours List.
After a remarkable rise through the Manchester United youth academy in the 1990s, David Beckham had a prolific career playing at Old Trafford.
As one of the biggest ‘Class of 92’ success stories, the 50-year-old emerged into the United first team under Sir Alex Ferguson before reaching superstardom during his remarkable spell at the Premier League side.
Beckham made 394 appearances for United, while scoring 85 goals and registering 121 assists.
Before leaving United for Real Madrid, Beckham lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two FA Cups.
Beckham went on to play for LA Galaxy, AC Milan (two loan spells) and Paris Saint-Germain before announcing his retirement in 2013.
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Photo by CHRIS J RATCLIFFE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Arise, Sir David Beckham
Beckham may have hung up his boots 12 years ago, but the former United midfielder has kept busy.
His most ambitious post-retirement venture has been the creation and development of MLS side Inter Miami. Beckham became the club’s majority owner in 2020, as well as its sporting director.
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The former England international is also involved in several different businesses.
Now, Beckham has a new title to boast after being awarded a knighthood.
Beckham joins a select group of high achievers from fields including politics, business, art and sport.
After receiving a knighthood, a man is granted the title “Sir” while his wife may use the courtesy title of “Lady” before her surname, provided she has taken her husband’s surname which Victoria has done. That means Victoria can be known as Lady Beckham.
“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,” Beckham said in a statement, as quoted by The Mirror.
“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.
“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.
“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”
Beckham has been knighted for his services to sport and to charity such as Unicef. He also became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation.
With 115 caps for England, Beckham is third on the list of players with the most appearances made for England. He also played a key role in helping London secure the hosting rights for the 2012 Olympic Games.
The latest round of honours will be awarded either in the New Year or on King Charles’ birthday in June.
Manchester United respond to Beckham’s knighthood
One of the first responses to Beckham’s knighthood fittingly came from United.
Sir David Beckham 🤩
Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks — you truly deserve this ❤️🏴#MUFC pic.twitter.com/Brf9kcAdmi
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025
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The club issued a brief statement to congratulate one of its favourite sons.
A statement from ManUtd.com read: “David Beckham has been knighted in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
“All of us at Manchester United offer our warm congratulations to David on this richly-deserved honour.
“In the three-and-a-half decades since he joined our Academy as a 14-year-old, David has established himself as not only an indelible legend of this football club, but as a wonderful ambassador for the English game as a whole.
“David, we salute your achievements and thank you for your tremendous contribution to Manchester United.”