David Beckham is expected to receive a knighthood in King Charles’ Birthday Honours, becoming the 16th male footballer to be awarded the title.

But before that momentous occasion, the football legend has issued a kind of birthday honour of his own – with the announcement that he will become the first person outside the Royal Family to guest edit Country Life magazine.

The iconic weekly publication, known for its coverage of British rural life, announced that Beckham will take the editorial reins for a special issue due to be published in October, to mark his 50th birthday earlier this year.

The former England captain, who is an avid reader of the magazine, will follow in the footsteps of royal guest editors including King Charles (2013 and 2018), Princess Anne (2020), and Queen Camilla (2022).

Mark Hedges, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, said: “As soon as we were introduced, David told me how much he loves Country Life. He reads every issue from cover to cover and it’s been a great companion to him as he’s developed his own life in the countryside.”

Beckham added: “I am honoured to have been invited to guest edit an edition of a magazine that I have always admired and read. I am really looking forward to working with the editorial team to produce an issue that will celebrate what the countryside and the great British landscape mean to me and my family.”

The upcoming issue is expected to include Beckham’s favourite views, a beloved recipe, and tributes to rural champions and craftsmen who have contributed to his £12m countryside estate near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire.

“As a global football icon, with a passion for the countryside, his dogs, chickens, bees and his garden – notably trees, roses and vegetables – I’m excited to see what his special commemorative issue will bring,” Hedges said.

With a knighthood on the horizon and a guest editorship in hand, Beckham is marking his golden year with honours fit for royalty.