The former Manchester United and England captain-already awarded an OBE in 2003 - has now earned the UK's highest honour for his contributions to sport and global charity work.
"It's such an emotional moment to share with my family," Beckham said. "I'm so lucky to do what I love - and to be recognised for it is incredibly fulfilling."
Beckham made 115 appearances for England, captaining the side 59 times. He played in three World Cups, scoring in each, and featured in every major tournament for the Three Lions from 1998 to 2006. At club level, he was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's iconic Class of '92, helping United to six Premier League titles and the historic 1999 treble.
He also enjoyed spells at Real Madrid during the Galacticos era, LA Galaxy - where he helped elevate Major League Soccer's profile - AC Milan, and PSG before retiring in 2013.
Off the pitch, Beckham has been a UNICEF ambassador since 2005 and joined The King's Foundation in 2024. He played a key role in the successful bid to bring the 2012 Olympics to London and now co-owns Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer.
Though speculation around a knighthood had followed him for over a decade, including reports of a blocked nomination in 2011, the former midfielder now joins footballing royalty in an official capacity.
United were quick to congratulate their former No. 7, posting: "Massive congratulations from everyone at United on this special achievement, Becks - you truly deserve this."
Beckham was among several sporting names recognised this year. Darts stars Luke Littler and Luke Humphries received MBEs, while Euro 2022 winner Rachel Daly, Olympic triathlete Alistair Brownlee, and tennis great Virginia Wade also featured in the honours list.
Manchester United have kicked off the race to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's red-hot striker Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool and Chelsea also circling the dynamic Frenchman, according to recent reports.
Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has broken his silence on the growing speculation around his future, pushing back on what he called "false" reports while maintaining he will address his situation "when the time is right."
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves for 62.5 million pounds, after triggering a transfer clause.
Manchester United have reportedly intensified their summer transfer activity, targeting Brentford's forward Bryan Mbeumo with a second bid and engaging in talks to secure Sporting Lisbon's striker Viktor Gyokeres.
