Former Manchester United defender knighted

Manchester United have a long history of academy graduates going on to make their mark beyond Old Trafford.

The club has produced some of the most decorated players in English football, with several former Reds later recognised with major national honours.

Sir Bobby Charlton was knighted in 1994 after a legendary playing career that included the World Cup, European Cup and Ballon d’Or.

David Beckham, another former United star, was knighted in 2025 after previously receiving an OBE for his services to football.

Marcus Rashford was appointed an MBE in 2020, while Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs were also awarded OBEs during their Manchester United careers.

Those honours have become part of the history surrounding players who have represented the Red Devils and gone on to make an impact away from Manchester.

Former Manchester United defender knighted

Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has now received a major state honour in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after helping his country achieve a historic World Cup return.

President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi awarded Axel Tuanzebe and the rest of the DR Congo squad the rank of Chevalier, or Knight, in the National Order of the Leopard during a ceremony in Kinshasa on 22 September.

In total, 31 players and eight members of the staff were recognised.

The honour comes after what was a remarkable tournament for the Leopards, who returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire.

Tuanzebe played a central role in getting them there too, scoring the decisive goal in extra time against Jamaica in the March play-off final to secure their place at the World Cup.

DR Congo then went on to reach the knockout stages, securing their first-ever World Cup victory and eventually finishing 23rd among the 48 teams.

That represented a huge turnaround from their only previous appearance in 1974, when they lost all three matches without scoring and conceded 14 goals.

For Tuanzebe, the achievement adds another memorable chapter to a career that began in the Manchester United academy.

The defender joined United’s youth system at the age of eight and eventually made his senior debut against Wigan Athletic in January 2017.

He also captained United during his time at the club and spent loan spells with Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City before leaving Old Trafford in 2023.

Tuanzebe later joined Ipswich Town and helped them win promotion to the Premier League before moving to Burnley, and is now at AJ Auxerre.

Now, after helping DR Congo end a 52-year World Cup wait and reach the knockout stages, Tuanzebe has another major achievement to celebrate.

Sharing his reaction on Instagram, he wrote, “Deeply honored and humbled to be named a Chevalier of the National Order of The Democratic Republic of the Congo.”