Victoria Beckham, English former footballer David Beckham and US actor Tom Cruise pose next to Beckham's newly unveiled Hollywood Walk of Fame star during a ceremony in Hollywood, California. | Photo Credit: AFP

David Beckham, the first English player to win league titles in four countries, ​was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on ‌Friday, the day the U.S.-hosted portion of the 2026 World ​Cup kicked off with eight matches set for Los ⁠Angeles.

Rather than a traditional Hollywood red carpet, the ceremony featured a green football-themed pitch carpet to commemorate the occasion.

Radio host Ellen K introduced speakers including ‌Tom Cruise and Beckham’s wife, Victoria Beckham. Cruise praised Beckham’s journey, saying it was “a Hollywood story” of hard work, determination ‌and global influence on sport and culture.

Victoria Beckham said ‌the ⁠honor felt timely ahead of the World Cup in ⁠Los Angeles. She noted that football in the U.S. is entering “one of the most exciting chapters in its history.”

Taking the podium, Beckham called the moment “surreal.” He reflected ​on growing up in East ‌London with dreams of playing football, never imagining recognition in Hollywood. He spoke about skepticism he faced after joining Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy in 2007, as many fans questioned why the ‌U.S. was so late to embrace the globally popular sport.

Beckham, ​who is now president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, said he was proud of the sport’s ⁠growing popularity in the U.S. He also had a special message for his children.

“I’m going to get emotional now. Kids, I hope ‌you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreams big to make you all proud is my greatest achievement,” he said.

Over a 20-year career, Beckham played for some of the world’s most prominent teams, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain.

Primarily a right ‌midfielder, he was renowned for his precise passing and crossing ability and is ​widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Beckham’s influence extended into pop culture with projects such ⁠as Netflix’s docuseries “Beckham,” chronicling his football journey, and “Victoria Beckham,” focusing on his ⁠wife’s evolution from Spice Girl to fashion mogul. The film “Bend It Like Beckham” was also inspired by his legacy.

Since ‌retiring as a player in 2013, Beckham has remained a global figure through partnerships with major brands including Adidas, Bank of ​America, Hugo Boss, Stella Artois and Sands.

Published on Jun 13, 2026