Former England captain and Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and LA Galaxy winger David Beckham will be awarded a knighthood next week as part of King Charles III’s birthday honours, according to UK media reports.
The 50-year-old footballer will be named in the birthday honours list and take the title of Sir David Beckham, with his wife Victoria to become Lady Beckham, The Sun reported.
Beckham has been considered for a knighthood for more than a decade following his international football career, which included 115 England appearances and six years as captain. He received an OBE in 2003.
The former Manchester United midfielder was reportedly first proposed for a knighthood in 2011 after helping London secure the 2012 Olympic Games hosting rights. However, the honour was delayed after he was implicated in a tax avoidance scheme, from which he was cleared four years ago.
Beckham was among 140 celebrities allegedly involved in the 2013 Ingenious tax avoidance scheme. Sources close to Beckham said he had no knowledge of the scheme. Ingenious successfully appealed against HMRC in 2021.
The footballer has served as a Unicef special ambassador for 20 years and focuses much of his charity work on improving conditions for underprivileged children. He received the World Economic Forum crystal award this year for his work on children’s rights.
Beckham currently serves as an official ambassador for the King’s Foundation, supporting education programmes and youth environmental awareness initiatives.
With a footballing career spanning 20 years, from 1993 to 2023, Beckham is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation and one of the most recognisable athletes of all time.
Known for his crossing ability, passing, work-rate and accurate set pieces, Beckham began playing at Manchester United’s youth academy, making his first-team debut in 1992. He played 394 matches for United between 1993-2003, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League in 1999 as part of the historic treble-winning team.
In 2003, he transferred to Real Madrid for €37 million, playing 159 matches over four seasons alongside galácticos including Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Raúl. He won La Liga once during his tenure.
Beckham moved to Major League Soccer in 2007, joining LA Galaxy in a groundbreaking five-year deal worth approximately $250 million including endorsements. The transfer significantly raised MLS’s international profile. He made 124 appearances and won two MLS Cups.
He concluded his career with brief spells at AC Milan (29 appearances) and Paris Saint-Germain (14 appearances), donating his PSG salary to charity.
The London-born midfielder earned 115 England caps between 1996-2009, scoring 17 goals and captained his country for six years (2000-2006).
