Sir David Beckham received his knighthood from King Charles III on Monday at Buckingham Palace.
After emerging from Manchester United’s academy in 1992, David Beckham became more than an international sports star.
Beckham is a brand, fashion icon and one of the biggest names in football.
The former England captain spent 11 years in United’s first team, rising to prominence as a member of the iconic Class of ’92 alongside players like Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
Although one of his most memorable moments came when he scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon on the opening day of the 1996/97 season, Beckham went on to star in the Treble-winning side of 1999. It was his corners that proved disastrous for Bayern Munich on that incredible night at Camp Nou.
Beckham would leave Old Trafford to join Real Madrid in 2003, but he is still adored by United fans to this day.
Sir David Beckham joins list of Man Utd knighthoods
Former United midfielder Beckham has been awarded a knighthood for his services to sport and charity.
It was announced in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours list back in June.
The 50-year-old was joined by his wife, Victoria and his parents, Ted and Sandra, in Berkshire for the occasion.
It means Beckham becomes the third former United player to receive a knighthood, joining former managers Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
The two other ex-players include Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Walter Winterbottom.
Knighthood Reds
- Sir Walter Winterbottom
- Sir Matt Busby
- Sir Bobby Charlton
- Sir Alex Ferguson
- Sir David Beckham
Sir David Beckham proud of ‘special moment’ at Buckingham Palace
After Beckham bent on one knee for King Charles III to perform the duty with a ceremonial sword, he spoke to reporters about the ‘special’ occasion.
“The monarchy has always been very important in our family – my grandparents, my parents, my kids, myself, the royal family have always played a huge role and I’ve always had huge respect for them,” Beckham said, as quoted by ManUtd.com.
“Especially when I travel around the world and people want to talk to me about our royal family, and that shows how much respect people have.
“To be here today, to receive a knighthood from His Majesty, the King, it’s pretty surreal.
“I was just hoping I would get it all right! You get walked through it and told what the protocol all is and obviously, to see His Majesty, the King stood there and receiving me and being as elegant and charming as he always is, it’s such a special moment.”
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