Bend your knee like Beckham, Sir David

FORMER England captain David Beckham says he is “immensely proud” to receive a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

- By Emily Ferguson Royal Editor

The sports star, who celebrated his 50th birthday last month, is being honoured for services to sport and charity.

He said: “Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.”

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid legend added: “Off the pitch, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation.

“I’m so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I’m grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment. It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I’m immensely proud and it’s such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.”

Sir David, who famously queued with the public to view the late Queen Elizabeth's coffin in 2022, became an ambassador of the King’s Foundation in 2024 and has joined forces with the Prince of Wales on numerous occasions.

Alongside his football career, he has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 2005 and has campaigned with Malaria No More, a charity working to eradicate the disease.

He was given an OBE by the late Queen 22 years ago. Sir David married his wife Victoria in 1999 and the couple share four children - Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.

He is among more than 1,200 people from across the UK to receive honours in yesterday’s list.