Sir David Beckham is celebrating a major milestone as he received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – but fans are baffled as to why on earth he has one.
The former England footballer, 51, was in sunny Los Angeles on Friday, June 12, for the ceremony where he was joined by his family: wife Victoria, sons Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper (estranged eldest son Brooklyn was nowhere to be seen).
Hollywood star Tom Cruise himself was also in attendance for the special occasion. In a speech to the audience, David called this experience ‘truly incredible’.
He continued: ‘I’ve always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honour like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me.
‘I grew up in the East End of London, a long way from Hollywood. As a young boy, I loved soccer more than anything, and it was all I ever wanted to do. I always loved America, though, and its TV shows.’
He then called the Mission Impossible star’s presence ‘mindblowing’ and his hopes for his children to ‘bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big’.
But many have been left completely befuddled over why David would have received a Hollywood star when he’s an ex-English sportsman, not the usual category that’s given this honour.
‘Star on the Hollywood walk of fame?? Could anyone name a role he acted please,’ TheOmniFeed wrote on X.
‘This makes a mockery of any real talented stars,’ Kitty declared.
‘Star on the Walk of Fame doesn’t mean anything anymore because anyone can have one; all they need is for people to nominate them and then pay for it themselves,’ Sophie shared.
‘Why would an English footballer get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?’ Hermionegingold asked.
‘I’m a Beckham fan, and I love the Walk of Fame, but I don’t get why David is getting one?’ Caitline Warwick added.
Others were fully in support. ‘What a moment for David Beckham, congrats to him!’ TeamGoldenGoddess shared.
‘Wholesome and he totally deserves it,’ BarkJack agreed.
Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer – who has previously been known to reject stars like Kim Kardashian – explained why David had been appointed one, especially since it coincided with the FIFA World Cup kicking off in North America.
The truth behind a Hollywood Walk of Fame star
The coveted star known all around the world costs a lot of money to secure.
First, you must submit a nomination in one of the following categories: Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Recording, Live Theatre/Performance and Sports Entertainment, alongside a $275 (£205) fee.
Once accepted, the dedication ceremony involves an eye-watering $85,000 (£63,500) sponsorship fee, which goes towards ‘ the creation and installation of the star, inauguration of the honoree, and lifetime maintenance of the Walk of Fame landmark’.
Recognised under the Sports Entertainment category, Ana explained: ‘Beckham’s role in elevating soccer’s profile in America and his lasting influence on sports, entertainment, and global culture make this honour especially meaningful.’
After reflecting on his acclaimed football career, which spans both continents, Europe and North America, she also pointed to his entertainment career as the founder of Studio 99.
The content studio has created several documentary features and series, including its mammoth hit, Beckham, on Netflix, as well as one about his wife, Posh Spice.
Also to his name is a ‘strategic partnership’ with the world’s biggest sports and entertainment licensing company, Authentic.
In Sports Entertainment, he joins the likes of tennis star Billie Jean King and actor and sports figure Carl Weathers.
Other sports stars present in different categories include boxer Muhammad Ali, basketball player Magic Johnson and swimmer Esther Williams.
In a follow-up speech delivered by his wife, the Spice Girls icon said: ‘David, I am so proud of everything you have achieved so far, but even more proud of the husband, father and person that you have always been.’
It’s been a huge couple of years for David, who also received a long-awaited Knighthood from King Charles III in November last year.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.