Bend a knee like Beckham: Soccer star is knighted by King Charles III

Soccer Icon David Beckham Knighted by King Charles III in Windsor Ceremony

David Beckham, the globally recognized soccer star, received his knighthood from King Charles III on Tuesday during a ceremony at Windsor Castle, marking what he described as “the proudest moment” of his illustrious career.

The 50-year-old soccer legend followed tradition as he knelt before the monarch, who tapped both shoulders with a ceremonial sword, officially transforming him into Sir David Beckham.

“I’ve been very obviously lucky in my career to have won what I’ve won and done what I’ve done, but to receive an honor like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought that I would receive,” Beckham told reporters following the ceremony.

The knighthood recognizes Beckham’s significant contributions both on and off the pitch. Beyond his athletic achievements, the honor acknowledges his extensive charitable work, including his two-decade partnership with UNICEF and campaigns with organizations working to eradicate malaria. His influential role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games also factored into the recognition.

Beckham’s journey to knighthood represents a remarkable redemption arc for a player whose career has experienced both soaring heights and challenging lows. His reputation suffered a significant blow during the 1998 World Cup when his infamous red card against Argentina—a petulant kick at Diego Simeone—led to England’s elimination and triggered intense public backlash. In the 2023 Netflix documentary series “Beckham,” he detailed the vitriol he faced, which included an effigy of him hanging from a noose outside a London pub.

“I knew it was bad at the time, but going over that whole thing was quite a tough one,” he told The Associated Press when discussing the documentary.

Despite these challenges, Beckham’s soccer legacy remains extraordinary. He stands as the only English player to score in three different World Cup tournaments and ranks third on England’s all-time appearances list with 115 caps, 59 of which were as team captain. His club career peaked during Manchester United’s historic 1999 treble-winning season when the team claimed the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.

After leaving Manchester United in 2003—a departure that devastated many fans—Beckham played for global powerhouses Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain. His move to the United States proved pivotal in raising soccer’s profile in North America. Today, he continues his soccer involvement as co-owner of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Beyond sports, Beckham’s cultural impact has been equally significant. His marriage to Victoria “Posh” Beckham of the Spice Girls created one of entertainment’s most famous power couples. His distinctive style made him a fashion icon and model, while the film “Bend it Like Beckham” cemented his name as shorthand for soccer excellence.

Tuesday’s ceremony also recognized other distinguished figures in British culture. Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, author of “The Remains of the Day” who had previously been knighted, received the prestigious Companion of Honor for his contributions to literature. Acclaimed musical theater performer Elaine Paige was granted a damehood, the female equivalent of a knighthood.

Beckham’s knighthood was initially announced in June as part of the king’s birthday honors list. These biannual honors, distributed at both the monarch’s birthday and New Year’s, recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to British life across various fields.

This latest accolade completes Beckham’s transformation from controversial sports figure to respected national icon, cementing his place among Britain’s most celebrated sporting legends.