Football legend David Beckham has finally received his long-awaited knighthood from King Charles III at Windsor Castle, more than two decades after receiving his OBE in 2003. The former England captain was recognized for his outstanding services to sport and charity in an emotional ceremony that left the sporting icon in tears.
“I cried when I first found out, and possibly for a few months after it as well,” Sir David, 50, told Sky News following the investiture. “This week has been really emotional… I’ve not been nervous, I’ve just been emotional.”
The ceremony was a family affair, with his wife Victoria—now Lady Victoria—accompanying him in a suit she personally designed. The couple, who married in 1999, share four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper. When asked how he’d like to be addressed at home, Sir David joked: “If they would like to call me Sir Dad or Sir Son, they can.”
Describing himself as a “huge royalist,” Sir David was appointed ambassador for the King’s Foundation last year, an educational charity established by Charles in 1990. Reflecting on his achievement, he said: “I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London, always wanting to be a professional footballer. And then I’m stood here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world getting a knighthood, so it doesn’t get much better.”
Sir David’s illustrious England career spanned 115 caps—59 as captain—and 17 goals across three World Cups and two European Championships. His journey was marked by both intense scrutiny and remarkable triumphs. After receiving harsh criticism following his red card against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, he redeemed himself spectacularly with his performance against Greece in 2001, securing England’s qualification for the 2002 World Cup finals.
His club career was equally stellar. Making his Manchester United debut in 1995, he became instrumental in the club’s historic 1999 treble-winning season, which included a dramatic Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich with two late goals. During his United tenure, he scored 85 goals and collected six Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
Sir David’s career later took him to Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, cementing his status as a global football icon.
Also honored at Tuesday’s ceremony were Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and West End performer Dame Elaine Paige, making it a memorable day for British excellence across multiple fields.
