The long-awaited accolade marks the culmination of Beckham’s years of service both on and off the pitch. It comes more than two decades after he was first appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.

Beckham, co-owner of American football club Inter Miami, has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2005 and became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024.

“To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true,” Beckham said in a statement. “Off the pitch, I’ve been fortunate to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organizations that support communities in need and inspire the next generation.”

He added: “I’m so lucky to do the work I do and I’m grateful to be recognized 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.”

Beckham earned 115 caps for England, captaining the team 59 times and becoming the only English male player to score in three different World Cups. He represented the England national team at every major tournament between 1998 and 2006.

At club level, Beckham helped Manchester United win six Premier League titles and played a key role in their historic 1999 treble. He went on to join Real Madrid, helped grow Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy and had stints with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in 2013.

He also played a role in securing London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

“Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks – you truly deserve this,” Man United wrote on social media.

Despite being a national icon, Beckham’s path to knighthood was not rosy. Reports suggest he was first nominated in 2011, but the bid was reportedly blocked due to alleged involvement in a tax avoidance scheme. In 2017, leaked emails appeared to show Beckham criticizing the honors committee, a claim his representatives said stemmed from hacked, doctored, and private communications, according to ESPN.

Beckham was not the only sports figure recognized this year in Britain. Darts stars Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries received MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire), while former England footballer Rachel Daly, a member of the Euro 2022-winning squad, was also honored with an MBE.

Olympic triathlete Alistair Brownlee earned an OBE and tennis star Virginia Wade received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).