Sir David Beckham to Receive Knighthood
On Tuesday, Sir David Beckham will be honored with a knighthood at Windsor Castle, recognizing his significant contributions to sports and charitable endeavors. The 50-year-old former England football captain expressed his immense pride earlier this year when he was included in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Beckham’s Football Career
With a remarkable record of 115 international caps, Beckham served as England’s captain in 59 matches, a number surpassed by only two other players in history.
Beckham’s illustrious club career began at Manchester United, where he netted six Premier League titles before moving on to prestigious teams including Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan, ultimately retiring in 2013. He currently serves as the president and co-owner of Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, a role in which he played a pivotal part in signing superstar Lionel Messi. Additionally, Beckham is a part-owner of League Two club Salford City.
Charitable Contributions
Beyond football, Beckham has been deeply involved in charity work, notably as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005. His commitment to philanthropy was further solidified last year when he became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity initiated by King Charles III in 1990.
Fashion and Family
A fashionable icon, Beckham has repeatedly made headlines for his style; in 1998, GQ honored him as the most stylish man of the year, and he has modeled for prominent brands such as H&M, Armani, and Boss. Since marrying Victoria Beckham in 1999, the couple has welcomed four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
Other Honorees
Alongside Beckham, the honours will also be bestowed upon esteemed individuals including Nobel Prize winner Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and renowned West End performer Dame Elaine Paige. The full list of King’s Birthday Honours includes notable figures across various fields, highlighting their contributions and achievements.
Among those receiving a knighthood is rugby league star Billy Boston, while Virginia Wade, a former three-time major tennis champion, will be recognized with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to tennis and charity. Other recipients include Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee and darts pioneer Deta Hedman, each acknowledged for their respective contributions to sports and philanthropic causes.
