At last! Knight David Beckham after 24 years of patience

It was probably the highlight of David Beckham’s football career. England needed a goal against Greece in 2001 to qualify for the World Cup.

When Beckham sent the ball into the net, causing delirium joy across England, announcer Gary Bloom exclaimed: « Give this man the knight title! » It took 24 years, but now it gets it.

A name that has left its mark not only in the world of football, but also on the world business scene and 24 years after a flagship goal that led a announcer to ask for its horseback ride, the English legend is expected to receive this highest price

According to the BBC, David Beckham is among the persons to be honored by King Charles III in the context of the Monarch’s annual birthday list, receiving the coveted Knightthood title.

How is Knight’s title acquired and what does it mean

The knightly titles are awarded by the British royal family to citizens who are considered extremely successful in their field of action and have served their country one way or another.

« The recipients range from actors to scientists, and from school principals to industrialists, » says the royal family website.

The title of Knightthood, if officially confirmed next week, will be the highest level of honor compared to that of Obe (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), which Beckham had received in 2003 for a significant contribution to culture, sports or society.

While the titles such as Obe are not accompanied by addresses, the knight’s proclamation allows the recipient to officially bring the title Sir before its name, and is considered one of the highest prices that the British state may award to its citizens.

For women, the corresponding price is the title of Dame given to Anna Windour, Emma Thompson, Judy Dents and Julie Andrew.

The knightly titles, dating back to the Roman era in Britain, are closestly linked to the Middle Ages, when the knights were trained in battle and protecting the monarch. However, the royal family notes that a knightly title at present « does not imply military obligations to the monarch ».

Sir David credentials

Beckham, 50, was a popular footballer mainly competing for Manchester United and the National Team of England, which he represented in 115 matches. His famous right foot had the amazing ability to « curve » the balls in the air and send them into the nets, inspiring the title of the 2002 film like Beckham.

His career also includes terms of top teams such as Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain and Milan, before retiring from active action in 2013. In his post-football career, the co-ownership of Inter Miahi is included.

Beyond his athletic glory, Beckham has shown a remarkable social work.

He has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2005, and in 2015, on the occasion of the ten -year cooperation, David Beckham Unicef ​​Fund, which supports vulnerable children worldwide, has been created.

Its reputation and influence helped London to secure the 2012 summer Olympic Games, while in 2024, he became ambassador of King’s Foundation, King Charles’ charity, with the aim of supporting educational programs and enhancing the environment.

Others among us and the ceremony

A few thousand people bear the title of knight. Among them are Formula 1 Louis Hamilton, tennis player Andy Murray, actors Michael Caine and Anthony Hopkins, singers Elton John, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney, as well as former Prime Ministers.

At the awards ceremony, Beckham will kneel on his right knee on a stool before King Charles III, who will touch the blade of a sword on his right shoulder, following the left.

While the price of Beckham has already been widely mentioned in the British media, the official announcement is expected next week, with the ceremony expected in the coming weeks or months.

Beckham of the monarchy

David Beckham maintains close relationships with the royal family. Princes William and Harry, both lovers of sports, have been hanging out with Beckham, who also attended their weddings. He has also collaborated on a charity work with King Charles himself.

In 2022, Mr Beckham displayed his respect waiting for the general public for 12 hours to pay his respect when the Queen Elizabeth coffin was in popular pilgrimage to Westminster Hall.

However, his course to horseback ride was not always smooth. It is rumored that his first candidacy was filed in 2011.

In 2017, British media had published data from a leak of personal emails, in which Beckham was alleged to express strong dissatisfaction with the honor system and the committee responsible. Beckham’s spokesman had then stated that emails were a product of « violation », « falsification » and « personal correspondence ».

Lady Victoria

David Beckham has been married since 1999 to fashion designer and former Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice. Together they have four children: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Seven.

At the impending honor of her husband, Victoria Beckham will receive the title of Lady Beckham. And she, after all, is already owned by the OBE title for its « services in the fashion industry ».