Sir David Beckham has described receiving a knighthood from King Charles III as “a truly humbling honor.”
The soccer player, 50, was awarded the prestigious honor as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honors list for his services to sport and charity.
Beckham told British media on Friday, June 13 that he was “proud” to be recognized with the royal accolade.
“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 honor,” Beckham said via a statement. “To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.”
David Beckham to Be Awarded Knighthood by King Charles: Reports
As well as being one of England’s most celebrated athletes thanks to his career playing as a midfielder for Manchester United as well as captaining England’s national soccer team, Beckham has put a lot of his energy into charitable causes over the years.
“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,” Beckham continued in the statement.
He added: “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.”
In addition to his sporting career, charitable causes and knighthood, the soccer star is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. The couple share four children: Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13, on Saturday, June 14.
Following his knighthood, David can now be called “Sir David Beckham” while Victoria will be able to be addressed as “Lady Victoria Beckham.”
David Beckham ‘Really Wants the Knighthood’, ‘Very Close’ With King Charles
The news comes amid reports there is ongoing family drama within the Beckham clan, with Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, reportedly distancing themselves from David and Victoria.
A source previously told Us Weekly that Brooklyn and Nicola “found out about the knighthood through the media” and they have not yet been invited to witness the historic moment when the knighthood ceremony occurs.
The Beckham family feud came to a head in early May, when Brooklyn and Nicola both did not attend David’s 50th birthday party in London.
