David Beckham, one of Britain’s most enduring global icons and a footballing legend, has finally been knighted by King Charles III, honoring his significant contributions to sport and charity, according to Buckingham Palace’s announcement on Friday.

The accolade, often considered the pinnacle of the UK’s traditional honors system, had long been anticipated. Fans and media alike have often wondered why Beckham hadn’t already been officially dubbed “Sir David,” given both his accolades on the pitch and his impact off it.

Now formally part of the king’s birthday honors list—an annual roll call celebrating remarkable figures across British life—Beckham’s recognition also elevates his wife Victoria’s title to “Lady Beckham.” The couple, who married in 1999, have remained central figures in British celebrity culture for decades, dominating headlines through tabloids and more recently, social media.

Beckham’s journey began in east London and soared with Manchester United, where he helped shape the legendary “Class of 92.” This youthful core under Alex Ferguson fueled United’s dominance during the ’90s and early 2000s, culminating in their historic 1999 treble: the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. Beckham played over 100 times for the England national team, including appearances in three World Cups, often captaining the side and delivering with his signature precision and leadership.

In total, Beckham claimed 19 major trophies and etched his name into history by becoming the first English player to win top-tier titles in four different nations. His on-field intelligence and precise delivery compensated for a lack of raw pace, with teammates regularly citing the relentless hours he spent mastering free kicks and crosses that dismantled defenses.

In 2007, Beckham brought his talents stateside to the LA Galaxy, playing a central role in expanding soccer’s presence in the U.S. His move was influenced by a clever clause—negotiated with help from media mogul Simon Fuller, ex-manager of the Spice Girls—granting Beckham the opportunity to own an MLS team for $25 million post-retirement. That foresight eventually positioned him as co-owner and president of Inter Miami, now the club of global superstar Lionel Messi.

Beyond the pitch, Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005, and in 2015, the organization launched a dedicated initiative in his name. His off-field persona has only grown, from queuing publicly to pay respects at Queen Elizabeth’s lying-in-state, to starring in a popular Netflix docuseries that captured his career and life with rare depth.

Though his public image hit turbulence in 2017 with the leak of allegedly critical emails about the British honors process, Beckham’s team maintained the communications were both “hacked and doctored.” The controversy temporarily dimmed prospects of royal recognition, but ultimately, it didn’t derail the outcome.

While the honors are formally presented by royalty, the selections are governed by independent committees comprised of political, business, and civic leaders. Final oversight comes from 10 Downing Street—currently occupied by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, himself knighted in 2014—making the entire process a reflection of national sentiment more than palace favoritism.