In a ceremony befitting a sports legend, David Beckham gracefully knelt before King Charles III to receive his knighthood, marking a defining moment in his illustrious career. The iconic footballer, known for his signature style both on and off the field, was officially dubbed Sir David Beckham as the monarch ceremoniously touched a sword to his shoulders.

“This undoubtedly stands as my proudest achievement,” Beckham remarked following the ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to achieve many accolades and experiences, but being honored with a knighthood surpasses anything I ever imagined.”

The recognition signifies a high point in Beckham’s journey to mend his public image, which had faced challenges during his extensive career. Aside from his sports achievements, Beckham has maintained a high-profile presence as a fashion icon, the husband of Spice Girls’ Victoria “Posh” Beckham, and an inspiration for the film “Bend It Like Beckham.”

The 50-year-old football star was knighted in recognition of his significant contributions to both sports and charitable causes. For two decades, Beckham has collaborated with UNICEF, the United Nations’ children’s fund, and has been actively involved in initiatives to combat malaria. His influence extended to the international stage, where he played a vital role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

The 50-year-old was knighted for his services to sport and charity, having partnered with UNICEF, the U.N.’s children’s fund, for two decades and campaigned with a charity working to eradicate malaria. He also played a pivotal role in London being awarded the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

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.