British soccer star-turned-business mogul David Beckham is reportedly set to receive his knighthood next week, after waiting in line for the honor for 14 years.
Inside sources confirmed the plans to multiple U.K. outlets, though no official announcement had been made by Buckingham Palace as of Friday afternoon.
As part of King Charles‘ birthday celebrations, Beckham will receive the title of Sir, while his wife, fashion maven and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, will take the name Lady Beckham.
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Victoria Beckham (right, with King Charles in February) will be known as Lady Beckham. (Getty)
The 50-year-old former athlete has long served as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation and UNICEF. He was awarded the OBE — Order of the British Empire — in 2003, and was first nominated for knighthood in 2011.
However, Beckham was reportedly blocked from receiving the prestigious honor after he and other celebrities were implicated in a scandal involving a film financing scheme to receive tax breaks, according to the BBC. He denied having any knowledge of the plot.
He was cleared of the scheme four years ago, which reportedly reinstated his eligibility for knighthood.
Beckham, who played a pivotal role in securing London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics, is recognized as the only English men’s player to score at three different World Cups.
The famous footballer made 115 appearances with the England national team, as well as having storied tenures with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the LA Galaxy. He retired from the sport in 2013.
