50-year-old ex-Manchester United star emotional after receiving long-awaited knighthood
LONDON November 5, 2025: Football legend David Beckham has been knighted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, marking a milestone in the life of one of Britain’s most iconic athletes.
The 50-year-old former England captain received the honour for his outstanding services to sport and charitable causes, more than two decades after his earlier royal recognition for contributions to football.
An emotional moment at Windsor Castle
Beckham, dressed elegantly in a tailored suit designed by his wife, Victoria Beckham, attended the investiture ceremony on Tuesday.
The former football star appeared emotional, later telling reporters he “cried” upon learning about the honour.
“It’s such a big moment for our family and it’s so special,” Beckham said.
“I grew up in a very humble background in the East End of London… and now I’m here at Windsor Castle with the most important monarchy in the world, it doesn’t get any better.”
Sharing a warm exchange with the King during the ceremony, Beckham joked afterward that he wouldn’t mind if his children called him “Sir Dad.”
From East London to global stardom
Born in East London, Beckham began his professional journey with Manchester United in the mid-1990s.
Over a glittering career, he won:
- Six Premier League titles
- Two FA Cups
- One UEFA Champions League
He later represented Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, earning 115 caps for England before retiring in 2013.
Renowned for his pinpoint free kicks and crosses, Beckham transcended sport to become one of the world’s most recognizable and marketable athletes.
His collaborations include global brands like Adidas, Armani, H&M, and Pepsi, while his long-term humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador has further defined his legacy.
According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, Beckham and Victoria Beckham hold a combined net worth of £500 million ($671 million).
A lifelong royal admirer
A self-described “huge royalist,” Beckham’s admiration for the British monarchy has been longstanding.
In 2022, he famously queued for more than 12 hours to pay his respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, declining VIP privileges to skip the line.
He also attended both Prince William’s 2011 wedding to Kate Middleton and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle.
Beckham has since formed a personal connection with King Charles, sharing a love for gardening and sustainability.
Last year, he was appointed an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, supporting environmental and educational initiatives.
Life beyond the pitch
Married to Victoria Adams, famously known as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls, Beckham is a devoted father of four.
The couple’s long-standing relationship has been chronicled in recent Netflix documentaries, offering insight into the pressures of fame and the balance between career and family life. “My family is my greatest achievement,” Beckham has often said, a sentiment that resonated deeply on the day he officially became Sir David Beckham.