Credit: Alex Livesey/Clive Rose via Getty Images

David Beckham and three other Manchester United icons to receive Knighthood

Originally posted on HITC | By Dale O'Donnell | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 10:46 AM ET

The most recent knighthood given to a Manchester United legend was to David Beckham.

Excluding those given to administrators, there have been 14 knighthoods given to footballers, including three from Manchester United.

With David Beckham’s most recent recognition, United now has more knighthoods from their club than any other. After a long service to the game and charities like Unicef, the former England international will now be called ‘Sir David Beckham’.

Gary Neville took to social media to congratulate Beckham. Many more tributes are expected to pour in over the weekend.

The knighthood was also awarded to Beckham for his time with Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, United, PSG, and England.

Beckham is now one of just three players from United to receive a knighthood.

Sir Matt Busby

Sir Matt Busby oversaw United’s rise from the heartbreak of the 1958 Munich air disaster to European Cup glory ten years later, rebuilding the squad with the steadfast support of assistant Jimmy Murphy.

He won five First Division titles and two FA Cups during his time as manager.

In the same year that Busby won the European Cup, he was awarded a knighthood.

It is undoubtedly deserved, considering all that he went through and gave to the game of football.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton was a true United legend. He was just 20 years old when he survived the Munich plane crash. After time recovering from his injuries, he rose back to stardom playing for both his club and country, winning European Cup and World Cup.

His total playing time for United was 17 years, during which he played in 758 games and scored 249 goals.

In 1994, he was awarded his knighthood.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Ferguson became a household name for achesiving unparalleled success during his coaching career. The Scottish manager led the team to 13 league titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the Club World Cup.

His knighthood was given in 1999 for his achievements in football, following his work after winning the Treble title for United.

Ferguson finished his career in 2013, and also won his last league title during his last season as United manager.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Sir David Beckham

He may need no introduction, as David Beckham is still an icon all around the world. In his time with the team, he won almost everything, except for the League Cup. Throughout his tenure, he won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and two FA Cups.

In 2025, Beckham was awarded his knighthood.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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