David Beckham was awarded this Friday (06/13), with the title of United Kingdom Knight, in honor of King Charles’s birthday.
“I am very lucky to be able to do the work I do and I am grateful to be recognized for a job that brings me so much accomplishment,” the former soccer player wrote in a press release.
“It will take a while for the news to be assimilated, but I’m immensely proud and it’s a very exciting time to share with my family,” he continued.
Beckham played 115 times for the England team and became the team’s captain. In addition, he does an extensive philanthropic work and is a personal friend of King Charles. He joins other Manchester United personalities who have already received the title, including Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson.
With the title, the former player joins several other athletes already recognized by the British crown with the honor. THE Sporting News reveals some of the names below.
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Sir David Beckham 🤩
Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks — you truly deserve this ❤️🏴#Murnc pic.twitter.com/Brf9kcAdmi
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2025
Most famous athletes who have ever been awarded knights and ladies from the United Kingdom
| Name | Sport | Year of honor |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Roger Bannister | Athletics | 1975 |
| Dame Mary Peters | Athletics (Pentathlo) | 2000 |
| Sir Steve Redgrave | Remo | 2001 |
| Grey-Thompson tanni ladies | Paralympic athletics | 2005 |
| Dame Ellen MacArthur | Candle (solo navigation) | 2005 |
| Dame Kelly Holmes | Athletics (800m, 1500m) | 2005 |
| Sir Sebastian Coe | Athletics / Administration | 2006 |
| Sir Chris Hoy | Track cycling | 2009 |
| Sir Nick Faldo | Gulf | 2009 |
| Dame Sarah Storey | Paraciclism / Swimming | 2013 |
| Sir Bradley Wiggins | Cycling | 2013 |
| Sir Alastair Cook | Cricket | 2018 |
| Dame Katherine Grainger | Remo | 2017 |
| Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill | Athletics (heptatlo) | 2017 |
| Sir Mo Farah | Athletics | 2017 |
| Sir Andy Murray | Tennis | 2017 |
| Sir Lewis Hamilton | Formula 1 | 2020 |
| Dame Laura Kenny | Track cycling | 2022 |
| Sir Jason Kenny | Track cycling | 2022 |
| Dame Denise Lewis | Athletics (heptatlo) | 2023 |
| Sir Billy Boston | Rugby League | 2025 |
| Sir David Beckham | Football / Philanthropy | 2025 |
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What is the historical meaning of being named Knight/Lady of the United Kingdom?
The title is given by the monarch (currently King Charles III) as a recognition to personalities who contributed extraordinaryly to British society and the reputation of the United Kingdom in the world.
The origins of the ceremony date from the Middle Ages, when the king recognized the loyalty of his warriors. Today, the symbolic act still refers to the values of courage, honor and service to the nation.
In addition to athletes, personalities of the arts, science, charity and public service have already been recognized. Among them, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Winston Churchill, among several others.
