British football icon David Beckham is expected to be awarded a knighthood in King Charles III’s upcoming Birthday Honours list, marking a historic moment in his decades-long contribution to sport and public service.
Sources close to the palace say Beckham, now 50, will be formally recognized with one of the highest honors in the United Kingdom, as the official list of honorees is scheduled for release next week. The anticipated knighthood comes over two decades after he was first made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.
The former England captain, who earned 115 caps for his country, is celebrated not only for his achievements on the pitch with clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan, but also for his continued dedication to philanthropy and national representation. He retired from professional football in 2013.
While Beckham was reportedly first nominated for a knighthood in 2011, the process has not been without controversy. In 2017, a series of hacked and leaked emails appeared in several British tabloids, suggesting Beckham had expressed frustration with the honours system. His spokesperson swiftly denounced the reports, calling the messages “hacked, manipulated and confidential.”
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Despite that incident, public sentiment has remained largely in his favor. Beckham’s role in securing the 2012 London Olympics and his long-standing service as a UNICEF ambassador have cemented his status as a national treasure. His influence spans far beyond football, earning him global recognition for his contributions to children’s welfare and sports diplomacy.
The news of Beckham’s knighthood coincides with the celebration of King Charles III’s official birthday on June 14, an event steeped in royal tradition. Like monarchs before him, King Charles celebrates two birthdays: his actual birth date on November 14 and the official Trooping the Colour ceremony in June, which allows for better weather and public festivities.
As Britain prepares to celebrate its monarch, the inclusion of Beckham on the Birthday Honours list is expected to generate significant public excitement, further solidifying his place in British history. The announcement could mark a turning point in the Beckham legacy-transforming him from global superstar to “Sir David Beckham.”
