David Beckham, the former England captain and global football icon, will receive a knighthood at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, honouring his exceptional contributions to sport and charity.
The 50-year-old footballer is being recognised for decades of achievement both on and off the pitch. Earlier this year, Sir David said he was “immensely proud” to be included in the King’s Birthday Honours list, describing the moment as a career and personal milestone.
Born in north-east London, Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in 1995. Over the years, he became one of the club’s most celebrated players, helping secure numerous victories, including the legendary 1999 Champions League final in which United triumphed over Bayern Munich with two dramatic late goals. Throughout his career, Beckham scored 85 goals and collected six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and multiple other honours before retiring in 2013.
Beyond his football legacy, Sir David has long been devoted to humanitarian causes. He has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, championing children’s rights and global development efforts. In 2023, he became an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity founded by King Charles III in 1990. A self-professed “huge royalist”, Beckham has often expressed deep respect for the royal family and its charitable work.
Known equally for his fashion influence, Beckham has been recognised as one of the most stylish men of his generation. In 1998, he was named GQ’s Most Stylish Man of the Year and has modelled for major fashion brands including Armani, H&M and Boss.
Sir David married Victoria Beckham, former Spice Girl and fashion designer, in 1999. The couple share four children — Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper — and remain one of Britain’s most admired families.
Joining Beckham at Windsor Castle to receive honours will be Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and acclaimed West End performer Dame Elaine Paige, both recognised for their outstanding contributions to British culture.
