Sir David Beckham! Ex-Man Utd star finally knighted

 

David Beckham has officially been knighted, earning one of the United Kingdom’s highest honours for his services to football and charity. Already awarded the OBE in 2003, Beckham now becomes Sir David Beckham after being named in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours list. The honour recognises his remarkable impact as a global football ambassador and philanthropist. Beckham, who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, made 115 appearances for England and became one of the sport’s most recognisable figures worldwide.

In addition to his footballing legacy, Beckham has worked as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005 and launched his own football club, Inter Miami, in 2018. His knighthood marks decades of dedication not only to football but also to humanitarian efforts around the globe. Speaking after the announcement, Beckham said it was a deeply emotional moment and expressed pride in representing Britain across the world.

Other notable names on the Honours list include former England Women’s player Rachel Daly, who received an MBE for services to football. In darts, rising star Luke Littler and current world champion Luke Humphries were also honoured with MBEs. Rugby league legend Billy Boston became the sport’s first-ever knight at the age of 90, marking another historic milestone in this year’s honours.

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While Sir David Beckham reflects on his knighthood, his focus quickly shifts to the FIFA Club World Cup. His club, Inter Miami, recently crowned winners of the MLS Supporters’ Shield, will represent North America as the host team in the tournament. They begin their campaign this Saturday night, local time, against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Inter Miami, with star players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, are expected to make a strong impression. Suarez has already stated that expectations are high heading into the competition.

Beckham’s transition from a legendary footballer to an influential club owner has made him a key figure in shaping the sport’s future in the United States and beyond. With the knighthood, he is now recognised not just for his contributions on the pitch, but also for his ongoing influence off it.

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list featured several prominent sports figures. Billy Boston’s knighthood is a historic moment for rugby league, acknowledging both his achievements as a player and his role in promoting inclusivity in sport. Rachel Daly’s MBE continues a growing trend of recognition for women's football in England, especially in light of the national team’s success in recent years. Darts stars Luke Littler and Luke Humphries also received MBEs, marking an exciting moment for the sport’s growing popularity.

Altogether, the honours celebrate a diverse array of sporting excellence across generations and disciplines. For Beckham, the knighthood crowns a life devoted to excellence, community, and leadership in both football and humanitarian work.