David Beckham had plenty of star power around him on Friday night as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with Tom Cruise seated beside him for the ceremony.
The two appeared in high spirits throughout the event, sharing a fist bump from the front row as Victoria Beckham looked on.
Beckham was joined by three of his children — Romeo, Cruz and Harper — for the milestone occasion. Noticeably absent, however, was Brooklyn Beckham, despite the ceremony taking place just 20 minutes from his estranged son’s multimillion-dollar home in the Trousdale Estate.
The former England captain said he felt “lucky” to be recognised with the honour, surrounded by a glamorous group of supporters that included Cruise, Eva Longoria and James Corden.
Victoria, 51, also spoke during the ceremony, paying tribute to her husband of 26 years as he became the 2,849th person to receive a star on the famed boulevard.
Beckham, 51, was honoured in the sports entertainment category, with the celebration coming as the United States begins play in the World Cup.
He is also receiving the star because of the work of his production company, Studio 99, which lay behind the successful hit Netflix series about he and Victoria’s life stories.
Tom Cruise made the induction speech and a source close to the couple told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s a full circle moment for David.
‘Never back then did he think he and Tom would become friends, but they have, and there was only one person who could have done the induction speech for David.
Sir David Beckham sat beside Tom Cruise and Victoria Beckham as he unveiled his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday night
Kim Turnbull, Romeo Beckham, Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Harper Beckham, Cruz Beckham and Jackie Apostel (pictured L-R)
The pair looked like to be getting on like a house on fire as they bumped fists while sat on the front row beside Victoria
‘The date night to watch Jerry Maguire is something both David and Victoria look back on so fondly.’
David and the Mission Impossible star, 63, have been pals since 2007 when the footballer signed with LA Galaxy.
Victoria, who was proudly watching joined by her best friend and Hollywood superstar, Eva Longoria, and James Corden, who has been a close associate for almost two decades.
David’s plaque is in pride of place at the centre of Hollywood Boulevard, just over five miles from the 26-year-old’s house, which he shares with Nicola Peltz, an aspiring actress.
Speaking in an interview with Variety magazine today, David admitted he never imagined he would receive a star.
He said: ‘All I wanted to be was a successful soccer player for Manchester United and England.
‘That’s all I cared about. I didn’t care about the fame, the wealth, all the admiration you get.
‘All I cared about was being a soccer player. So now, having a star, becoming a ‘Sir,’ all these things that have come with the career that I’ve had, I feel very lucky.’
David and Victoria were seen embracing in a sweet moment
Victoria wowed in a figure-hugging grey satin gown as she sat beside her daughter Harper, 14
Romeo was also in attendance as he beamed in snaps with his girlfriend Kim Turnbull
Cruz looked effortlessly stylish as he attended with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel
Lady Victoria, 51, spoke at the event to celebrate her husband of 26 years becoming the walk’s 2,849th star
Tom couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he put on a dapper appearance in a dark burgundy suit
The sportsman added: ‘I’ve never really had any offers from Hollywood. I like to stay in my lane, in all honesty.
‘I’ve played a couple of roles in Guy Ritchie’s movies, but that was just for fun. That was me and him having a glass of wine and him saying, “Do you want to be in this movie?”
‘That’s really how that happened […] Hollywood? I’m not sure I’m there yet.’
People who attended the ceremony were asked to line up at the southwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue and wear their favourite football jersey.
New York Giants Hall of Fame defensive end-turned-Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan was the first recipient in the sports entertainment category in 2023.
Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said: ‘The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome David Beckham to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
‘David Beckham’s recognition with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the Sports Entertainment category comes at a fitting moment as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup.
‘Beckham’s role in elevating soccer’s profile in America and his lasting influence on sports, entertainment, and global culture make this honour especially meaningful.’
