Football icon David Beckham is set to receive one of the United Kingdom’s highest honours next week, as he will be knighted by King Charles III, according to multiple reports including the BBC.
The former England captain, whose illustrious football career has been matched by extensive charity work, will be officially recognised in the upcoming King’s Birthday Honours List. This long-anticipated accolade will elevate Beckham to the title of “Sir,” while his wife, Victoria Beckham—famed singer-turned-fashion-designer—will be styled as “Lady Beckham,” reported The Sun newspaper.
Beckham joins a distinguished group of British sports personalities who have received knighthoods, such as legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and tennis champion Sir Andy Murray.
Having earned 115 caps for the England national team, Beckham also starred for elite football clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain. Off the pitch, he remains deeply involved in the sport as president and co-owner of Inter Miami in the U.S. and part-owner of Salford City in England’s League Two.
The 50-year-old was first recognised by the British honours system in 2003 when he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), a rank below knighthood. Victoria Beckham was similarly honoured for her contributions to fashion.
In addition to his sports legacy, Beckham has built a formidable philanthropic profile. Just last month, Time magazine named him among the world’s 100 most influential leaders in philanthropy. He also serves as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, promoting youth education and environmental awareness, and has held the title of UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 2005.
Beckham’s contributions to public life previously put him in contention for a knighthood, especially after his role in securing London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics. However, the process was delayed due to concerns about his alleged involvement in a tax avoidance scheme—a matter in which he was later cleared.
Controversy briefly surrounded Beckham in 2017 when leaked emails published by British media showed him allegedly criticising the honours committee. The BBC reported on the incident, but Beckham’s spokesperson at the time dismissed the messages as “hacked”, “doctored,” and “private.”
Now, over two decades since his OBE, Beckham appears poised to finally be knighted—cementing his place not only in the history of football, but also among Britain’s most publicly honoured figures.
