In a moment of both tradition and personal triumph, David Beckham, iconic soccer star and cultural figure, knelt before King Charles III to receive a knighthood. This momentous occasion took place at Windsor Castle, where Beckham was ceremoniously tapped on the shoulder with a sword, officially becoming Sir David Beckham.

Reflecting on this milestone, Beckham shared, “This is without doubt my proudest moment.” With a career that has seen numerous victories and achievements, Beckham noted that being honored with a knighthood surpassed anything he had imagined receiving. This accolade crowns his dedication to both sport and charity, highlighting his transition from a sports legend to a philanthropic influencer.

The knighthood is not just a recognition of Beckham’s athletic prowess but also his significant contributions to charitable causes. For two decades, he has been a steadfast partner with UNICEF, advocating for children’s welfare globally. His efforts also extend to fighting malaria and playing a key role in bringing the 2012 Summer Olympics to London.

Beyond the soccer field, Beckham’s life has been a tapestry woven with fashion, celebrity, and family life, famously married to Victoria “Posh” Beckham of the Spice Girls. His influence even inspired the popular film “Bend it Like Beckham,” cementing his status as a cultural icon.

In the same ceremony, other notable figures were also honored. Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize-winning author of “The Remains of the Day,” was named a Companion of Honor for his contributions to literature. Additionally, acclaimed musical theater star Elaine Paige received a damehood, the female counterpart to a knighthood, recognizing her illustrious career in the arts.

Nobel Prize-winning novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, author of “The Remains of the Day” who previously was knighted, was recognized in Tuesday’s ceremony as a Companion of Honor for literature. Renowned musicals singer and actor Elaine Paige was given a damehood, the female equivalent of a knighthood.

Beckham is the only English soccer player to score at three different World Cups, and his career included the triple-winning campaign of 1999, when Manchester United won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

With 115 appearances for the England national team, Beckham is third on the all-time list. He also captained the side on 59 occasions.

After leaving Manchester United in 2003 — a move that devastated fans — Beckham played for Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain. He now co-owns the Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.

His career hit a low point at the 1998 World Cup in France, where Beckham was widely vilified for his petulant kick of Argentina player Diego Simeone, which saw him sent off and left the team short a player. Many fans blamed him for England’s exit.

In 2023’s Netflix documentary series “Beckham,” he described the abuse he experienced, which included an effigy of him hanging from a noose outside a London pub.

“I knew it was bad at the time, but going over that whole thing was quite a tough one,” he told The Associated Press at the time.

Beckham’s knighthood was announced in June during the king’s birthday honors list. The awards, which are also given out at New Year’s, recognize contributions to British life.