David Beckham, the former England soccer captain who has served as a UN children’s fund ambassador for twenty years, is set to be knighted in the upcoming honours list by King Charles III, as reported by UK media outlets on Friday. The BBC reported, without disclosing sources, that Beckham will be honored for his distinguished soccer career and contributions to British society.
The knighthood will bestow upon Beckham the title of “Sir David,” while his wife of over two decades, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, will be known as “Lady Beckham.” Beckham previously received the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 for his services to soccer, while Victoria Beckham was honored in a subsequent New Year Honours list for her contributions to the fashion industry.
Honours are typically awarded twice a year, during New Year’s and the King’s birthday in June, based on government recommendations with input from the monarch. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office and Buckingham Palace have refrained from confirming the reports, following standard protocol. Initial reports of the knighthood were published by The Sun tabloid newspaper.
In a video clip released by The Sun from the recent Chelsea Flower Show, King Charles III is seen conversing with Beckham about his 50th birthday present, to which Beckham expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gesture.
Beckham and the King have interacted on various occasions, including state functions, and last year, Beckham became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, a charity focusing on education and sustainability established by Charles in 1990.
Known for his remarkable sports career, Beckham holds the distinction of being the only English soccer player to score in three different World Cups. With 115 appearances for the England national team, he ranks third in the all-time list and captained the team 59 times. Following his tenure at Manchester United, Beckham played for Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, and is currently a co-owner of the MLS team Inter Miami.
Despite his successes, Beckham faced criticism after the 1998 World Cup in France for an on-field incident with Argentina’s Diego Simeone, which led to his ejection and England’s elimination. In a 2023 Netflix documentary series titled “Beckham,” he recounted the challenges he endured, including facing public backlash and scrutiny.
The documentary series earned Beckham an Emmy award in 2024 for outstanding documentary or non-fiction series, highlighting his life and professional journey. Beyond his athletic prowess, Beckham is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors, supporting charities like UNICEF and playing a key role in securing the 2012 Summer Olympic Games for London.
Should the knighthood be officially conferred, Beckham would join a select group of British soccer legends who have received this prestigious honor, such as England’s 1966 World Cup champions Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton, and Scotland’s Kenny Dalglish.