Khaberni - David Beckham, one of the most famous football players in Britain, was knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle today, Tuesday, in appreciation of his contributions to sports and charitable activities over decades.
The former captain of England (aged 50) received this honor at the royal residence, after more than 20 years of earning a separate royal honor in recognition of his contribution to football.
Beckham, who has been a supporter of the royal family throughout his life, wore a suit designed by his wife Victoria Beckham, a fashion designer and former member of the pop music group Spice Girls.
"It doesn't get any better than this"
Beckham and King Charles exchanged a short and intimate conversation during the ceremony, with the king seen smiling and laughing during their talk.
After leaving the ceremony, Beckham said he cried when he first learned that he would be knighted.
He added in his talk to the journalists: "It's a big moment for our family and very special", and jokingly continued that he would not mind if his children called him "Sir Dad".
He continued: "I am very proud to be awarded this special honor. I grew up in a very modest environment in East London, and I always wanted to be a professional football player, and now I stand in Windsor Castle with the most important royalty in the world, it doesn't get any better than this".
From East London to a Global Star
Beckham was born in East London and made his debut in the Premier League with Manchester United in 1995, two years after joining the team as a trainee.
He won six league titles with the club, two FA Cup titles, and the UEFA Champions League, before moving to Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
He retired in 2013 after participating in 115 matches with the England national team.
Beckham was known for his precision in executing free kicks and his masterful cross passes, and was one of the most commercially successful athletes of his era.
He worked with brands such as Adidas, luxury fashion brand Armani, upscale retail stores (H&M), Pepsi, and has been a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) since 2005.
According to the Sunday Times Rich List for 2025, Beckham and his wife have a total fortune of about 500 million pounds sterling ($671 million).
