Rise, Sir David: Football Legend Honoured by the Monarch at Royal Windsor Ceremony
The football icon was bestowed with a knighthood at the historic royal residence on the weekday. The ex-national team leader, 50, was among those receiving awards for his contributions to athletics and philanthropy. In recent months, he stated he was “extremely honored” of being recognised in the King’s birthday honours.
Soccer Achievements
The player first appeared in England's top division for Manchester United in 1995 and was a key member that earned a thrilling Champions League final victory in 1999 when they beat the German giants with two late goals.
Overall, he scored 85 goals and garnered accolades including multiple English championships and two FA Cups as a soccer professional, before retiring from the sport in 2013. Alongside his football career, he has backed a variety of philanthropic initiatives, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005.
David Beckham, with his wife Victoria, after being knighted at an honors event at the royal venue.
Charitable and Other Roles
Last year, the sports star, who has described himself as a “huge royalist”, was named an official representative for the King’s Foundation, an educational charity established by the monarch in the early nineties. In the late nineties he was named top fashion icon by GQ magazine and he has modelled for companies such as the fashion retailer, the Italian designer, and the luxury label.
David tied the knot with Victoria in the turn of the millennium and the pair have four children together – Brooklyn, the second son, the third child, and Harper.