He’s a global athlete, a celebrity, and now a Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree. David Beckham received a coveted star on Hollywood Boulevard in L.A. on Friday, in the Sports Entertainment category.
The beloved English soccer player took to the podium, where he addressed the crowd of fans, friends and family cheering him on.
“I’ve always been a dreamer, but I never could have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me,” Beckham said. “I feel truly honored and fortunate to be living the American dream, so I give thanks to this country. To the fans that embraced us, the people that welcomed us and made our adventure so much fun. I want to thank my teammates, my friends, my team for always being in my corner and cheering me on.”
Beckham became emotional as he thanked his family. Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, his wife of nearly 27 years, their sons, Romeo and Cruz, and their daughter, Harper, were all in attendance. Brooklyn Beckham, their eldest son, who has had a very public rift with the family, was not.
“Kids, I hope you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big,” Beckham said. “To make you all proud is my greatest achievement. I am so grateful for you all. I love you, and thank you so much for this honor, L.A. It means the world to me.”
Victoria Beckham, David Beckham and Tom Cruise.
(Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Oscar-winning actor Tom Cruise and Victoria Beckham, who is now a fashion designer and makeup mogul, served as the ceremony’s speakers. The Top Gun star was the first to speak.
“His is a Hollywood story,” Cruise said of Beckham. “A boy who believed in something bigger than himself, had to work for every opportunity he received and went on to influence his sport, shape culture around the world and create opportunities for generations that followed. The thing that has impressed me most is that success has never changed who he is. The same core values that got him there are the ones he lives by today.”
Cruise continued, “David, congratulations to you. You earned this, and nobody, and I mean nobody, deserves it more, my friend.”
Next to speak was Victoria.
“Most of you will know David as a sportsman, a businessman and an activist, but behind those titles is a man who has always been defined by his character,” she said. “His drive, his determination and his ambition are known to everyone, but I’d also like to acknowledge his kindness, his loyalty and his commitment to the people that he loves. Whether he’s working, supporting his family and friends or the causes that he cares about, he gives it everything he’s got without ever losing sight of what matters most.”
Victoria added; “David, I am so proud of everything you have achieved so far, but even more proud of the husband, father and person that you have always been. Congratulations, we’re so proud, and we love you so much.”
Left to right, Romeo Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham and Cruz Beckham.
(Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Over the course of his illustrious, decades-spanning career, Beckham has successfully bridged the gap between athlete and celebrity. Since making his debut with Manchester United in 1992 at just 17 years old, Beckham, who played 11 seasons with the club until his departure for Real Madrid in 2003, has gone on to win several championships, including six Premier League titles and the La Liga title. He later signed a blockbuster five-year contract with the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy in 2007, before becoming a co-owner of the MLS club Inter Miami.
With the help of his pop star partner, Victoria, whom he married in 1999, Beckham became a notable celebrity and style icon off the field — lauded for his quintessential fusing of high fashion and sport in the late ’90s and early aughts. In addition to appearing on the covers of magazines including Elle U.K., British GQ, Men’s Health and W magazine, Beckham, whose popularity inspired the title of the film Bend It Like Beckham, also entered the fragrance business in 2007 when he was paid $13.7 million to launch his own line of cologne. Earlier this year, he signed a blockbuster 20-year deal with Interparfums, which will develop fragrances under the David Beckham brand.
Outside of business and fashion, Beckham is also a notable philanthropist, having cofounded charities including Malaria No More and the Victoria and David Beckham Children’s Charity.