It’s SIR David Beckham to you, now!
Yes, David Beckham officially has a new name now, thanks to King Charles! The football icon was awarded knighthood after being included in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The 50-year-old joins a prestigious club of British knights who are recognized âfor services to sport and charity.â The honor doesnât just etch his name deeper into Englandâs football folklore, but it seals his legacy as a cultural icon. And in case you were wondering, Victoria Beckham also gets a shot at changing her name. Should she choose to, she is now technically eligible to go by “Lady Beckham.” Talk about a posh name!
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams couldnât help but call out the long-awaited delay. âIt is utterly ridiculous that it has taken until now to honor David Beckham, who is something of a phenomenon, with a knighthood,â he told Fox News Digital. âFrom his tattoos to his footwear, there is a fascination with everything about him.â
The Long Road to Royal Recognition for David Beckham
Beckhamâs résumé looks like it was crafted by a Hollywood screenwriter! Or, maybe, just maybe, a sports fanatic. He’s had 115 England appearances, 59 as captain, six Premier League titles with Manchester Unitedâs famed “Class of ’92,” and groundbreaking stints with Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Most notably, his move to LA Galaxy soccer club in 2007 didnât just make major headlines, but it changed the face of American soccer. Fast forward to today, he is co-owner of League Twoâs Salford City with Gary Neville and president of Inter Miami.
But Beckhamâs knighthood isnât just about his professional and physical career; itâs about impact.
Heâs been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005 and, more recently, became an ambassador for The Kingâs Foundation in 2024. That partnership focuses on environmental sustainability and community revitalization. It’s something both he and King Charles are passionate about.
âDavidâs relationship with King Charles III has grown stronger in recent years, especially through their shared interest in beekeeping and environmental sustainability,â said British royal expert Hilary Fordwich. âThe Beckhamsâ public alignment with the royals reinforces them as loyal subjects and national icons.â
Beckham himself spoke about the new name, saying he was humbled by the moment. He told the Press Association, âGrowing 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.â
âI’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do, and I’m grateful to be recognized for work that gives me so much fulfillment,” he added.
Why the Delay?
The road to knighthood wasnât exactly swift. Beckham had received an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) back in 2003. Many assumed a knighthood would soon follow, but his nomination was reportedly paused in 2011 over concerns about a possible tax avoidance scheme.
Still, you know what they say, time heals all wounds. So yes, now knighted, Beckhamâs honor symbolizes not just personal redemption but also his enduring influence in sport, charity, and British life.
He joins a stellar lineup from this yearâs honors list, including actor Gary Oldman, musician Roger Daltrey, actress Elaine Paige, and novelist Pat Barker.
Whatâs Next for Sir David?
The newly knighted Beckham isnât just resting now that he has a new name. He continues to serve as co-owner and president of Inter Miami. Off the field, heâs helping causes that are tied to youth empowerment, education, and sustainable development.
His involvement with The King’s Foundation also remains active. The charity focuses on transforming lives through community projects, craft training, and environmental education.
Of course, Sir Beckham is also still very much a global style icon, football ambassador, and half of one of Britainâs most famous power couples. With the Spice Girl having earned her own OBE for fashion in 2017, they now hold matching honors.
As royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams aptly put it, âThe value of [King Charlesâ] endorsement is simply amazing.â
Knighted, celebrated, still effortlessly cool! Sir David Beckham proves once again that legends never retire; they just level up!
The post All Hail Sir David Beckham: Football Icon Knighted by the King appeared first on EntertainmentNow.