David Beckham Knighted By King Charles III In 2025 Birthday Honours

Former England football captain and global fashion icon David Beckham was officially knighted on Friday in recognition of his contributions to sports and charitable causes.

The honour was also bestowed upon The Who’s lead singer Roger Daltrey and acclaimed actor Gary Oldman.

Beckham, who earned 115 caps for England and played for top clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, will now carry the title “Sir”. His wife, Victoria Beckham — formerly of the Spice Girls — will be known as Lady Beckham.

At 50 years old, Beckham had been considered for a knighthood for some time. Previously, in 2003, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a lower rank in the UK honours system. Victoria later received the same award for her impact on the fashion industry.

Expressing his gratitude, Beckham said in a statement released to the Press Association, “Growing up in east London, with parents and grandparents who were very patriotic and proud to be British, I never imagined receiving such a humbling honour. I feel fortunate to be able to do the work I do and grateful that it is recognised in this way, as it brings me great fulfilment.”

Roger Daltrey, 81, co-founder of The Who since 1964, also received a knighthood for his services to music and charity. He has supported the Teenage Cancer Trust as a patron since 2000 and has organised fundraising concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall for over 20 years.

“It feels a bit surreal, but I’m deeply honoured, especially because it recognises the Teenage Cancer Trust charity,” Daltrey told the Press Association.

“I accept this honour on their behalf, as it truly belongs to the unsung heroes. It’s a dream come true for me, and I’m especially proud because the charity means so much.”

Gary Oldman, 67, an Oscar-winning actor best known for portraying Winston Churchill in the 2017 film Darkest Hour, was knighted for his services to drama. His film career, which has grossed over $11 billion globally, includes notable roles in the Harry Potter series, the Dark Knight Trilogy, and Air Force One, as well as appearances in the TV sitcom Friends and music videos for David Bowie and Guns N’ Roses.

Theatre veteran Elaine Paige, famous for originating the role of Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, and novelist Pat Barker — renowned for her Regeneration Trilogy on World War I, which was adapted into a Hollywood film starring Jonathan Pryce — were both named dames.

Beckham’s knighthood caps years of effort to transcend the football pitch and establish himself as a global icon blending sport, fashion, and business. According to Marie Agnes Parmentier, a marketing professor at the University of Montreal who has studied Beckham’s brand, the knighthood “is a powerful symbolic marker.”

Even during his football career, Beckham carefully cultivated his brand beyond sports. His daring fashion choices, such as wearing a sarong, openly using make-up, and his ever-changing hairstyles, drew intense attention from UK tabloids. He also had to overcome a difficult period when he was labelled England’s “most hated man” following his red card in the 1998 World Cup knockout match against Argentina.

Reports suggest Beckham was close to receiving a knighthood after helping London secure the 2012 Olympic Games, but concerns arose over his alleged involvement in a tax avoidance scheme, which temporarily blocked his nomination. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing.