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Football legend David Beckham has officially received a knighthood, earning one of the UK’s highest honours for his contributions to sport and charitable causes.
The former England captain, who turned 50 in May, will now be formally addressed as “Sir David Beckham,” while his wife, Victoria, will be known as “Lady Beckham.”
Beckham, who won 115 caps for England and starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, had previously been awarded an OBE in 2003. That recognition marked the beginning of a long journey towards a knighthood, which has now finally materialised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
“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 honour,” Beckham said in a statement. “I’m lucky to be able to do the work I do, and I’m grateful to be recognised for something that brings me so much fulfilment.”
Victoria Beckham, formerly “Posh Spice” of the Spice Girls and now a highly regarded fashion designer, also received an OBE in 2017 for her services to the fashion industry.
Beckham joins several high-profile names recognised in this year’s honours, including musician Roger Daltrey and actor Gary Oldman, both of whom were also knighted.
Roger Daltrey, co-founder and lead singer of legendary rock band The Who, was knighted for his services to music and charity. The 81-year-old has served as a dedicated patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since 2000, organising annual fundraising concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
“It’s kind of weird, but I’m deeply honoured to get this, especially for the Teenage Cancer Trust,” Daltrey said. “This honour is really for all the unsung heroes—I accept it on their behalf.”
Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman also became “Sir Gary” in recognition of his contributions to drama. The 67-year-old’s prolific career spans blockbusters such as Harry Potter, The Dark Knight trilogy, Air Force One, and his Academy Award-winning performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.
Also honoured were stage icon Elaine Paige, who becomes a Dame for her achievements in musical theatre, and author Pat Barker, known for her Regeneration Trilogy about World War I, who was also made a Dame.
David Beckham’s knighthood marks a pinnacle in a career that has long extended beyond football. Known as much for his fashion sense, celebrity lifestyle, and global endorsements as for his sporting achievements, Beckham has become a household name far beyond the pitch.
Marie Agnes Parmentier, a marketing professor at the University of Montreal who has studied Beckham’s brand evolution, described the honour as a “powerful symbolic marker” of his transformation from athlete to cultural icon.
Beckham endured his fair share of controversy—including national vilification after his red card against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup—but he has also become a symbol of resilience and reinvention.
Though he was previously tipped for a knighthood following his role in bringing the 2012 Olympics to London, the honour was delayed due to scrutiny over an alleged tax avoidance scheme. Beckham was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
