David Beckham has officially received a knighthood from King Charles III, honoring his exceptional contributions to both sport and humanitarian work. The announcement was made on Saturday (local time), confirming that the football legend is now formally known as Sir David Beckham. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the life of one of the most celebrated and admired figures in modern football.
The former Manchester United and England captain has been a global ambassador for football and an advocate for numerous charitable causes for over two decades. David Beckham’s knighthood comes as a tribute not only to his illustrious football career but also to his dedicated efforts in promoting goodwill through various humanitarian activities.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Sir David Beckham played for some of the world’s most prestigious football clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and LA Galaxy. His skill, leadership, and influence on and off the pitch have inspired millions globally.
A Stellar Football Career
David Beckham began his professional football journey at Manchester United, where he played a pivotal role during the club’s most successful era under manager Sir Alex Ferguson. At United, he made 265 Premier League appearances, scoring 62 goals, and helped the team win numerous domestic and international titles.
After a successful spell at Manchester United, Beckham transferred to Real Madrid, where he appeared in 116 matches and scored 13 goals. His time at Madrid was marked by his precise passing, set-piece mastery, and leadership on the field.
In 2007, David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he became a transformative figure in American football. Beckham scored 18 goals in 98 appearances for the Galaxy and helped grow the popularity of the sport in the United States.
Beckham also had short stints with AC Milan, scoring 2 goals in 29 appearances, and later concluded his career with Paris Saint-Germain, further adding to his legacy.
International Glory with England
Sir David Beckham was also a key figure for the England national football team, earning 115 caps between 1996 and 2009. He scored 17 goals and captained the national side in numerous memorable matches. Beckham was known for his passion, commitment, and iconic free-kicks that often turned the tide in favor of England.
Humanitarian Work and Global Recognition

Beyond football, David Beckham’s knighthood also recognizes his longstanding commitment to charitable initiatives. Since 2005, Beckham has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and working to improve lives in underprivileged communities around the world.
Beckham has also been actively involved in promoting global health, education, and youth development programs. His foundation and partnerships with various organizations have made significant impacts in dozens of countries.
In 2023, Beckham visited India and attended the Men’s Cricket World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand in Mumbai. He met with Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, showcasing his continued connection to global sports and culture.
Legacy of Sir David Beckham

David Beckham being awarded a knighthood is not just a recognition of his past achievements but a celebration of a lifetime dedicated to excellence, philanthropy, and global influence. His journey from a young boy in East London to Sir David Beckham is a powerful story of talent, hard work, and dedication.
The knighthood reflects Beckham’s dual legacy: as one of football’s most iconic figures and as a committed humanitarian. Fans and leaders from across the world have congratulated Beckham for this well-deserved honor, reinforcing his place in both sporting and cultural history.
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Summary Table
Field | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | David Robert Joseph Beckham |
Title Awarded | Sir David Beckham |
Honour | Knighthood by King Charles III |
Date of Award | June 14, 2025 (local time) |
Reason | Contributions to Sport and Charity |
Clubs Played For | Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, PSG |
International Caps (England) | 115 |
International Goals | 17 |
UNICEF Role | Goodwill Ambassador since 2005 |
Final Playing Year | 2013 (with Paris Saint-Germain) |
Recent Public Appearance | 2023 Cricket World Cup Semifinal in Mumbai |