BECKHAM TO RECEIVE LONG-AWAITED KNIGHTHOOD DURING KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS

David Beckham will be awarded a knighthood by King Charles III on Thursday in recognition of his services to football and charity, according to reports from the BBC and other UK media outlets.

The former England captain, who made 115 appearances for the national team and played for top clubs including Manchester United and Real Madrid, is expected to be named in the King’s Birthday Honours List. The honour will grant him the title “Sir David Beckham,” while his wife, Victoria Beckham, will become “Lady Beckham.”

Beckham, now 50, was previously appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003. He currently serves as president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF in the United States and co-owner of Salford City in England’s League Two.

Beyond his football career, Beckham has been active in charitable work. He has been a UNICEF goodwill ambassador since 2005 and was recently named an official ambassador for The King’s Foundation, supporting education and environmental initiatives. Last month, he was featured in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential leaders in philanthropy.

While Beckham was once considered for a knighthood following his role in supporting London’s 2012 Olympic bid, reports indicate the honour was delayed due to questions surrounding a tax avoidance scheme. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.

In 2017, media outlets published leaked emails in which Beckham allegedly criticised the honours system. His spokesperson later said the messages were “hacked,” “doctored,” and “private.”

Other prominent British athletes who have received knighthoods include Beckham’s former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and tennis champion Sir Andy Murray.