David Beckham and Rachel Daly recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Former England internationals David Beckham and Rachel Daly have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Sir David Beckham, who featured 115 times for his country, sits third in the all-time record appearance makers list for the England men's national football team, having made his debut in September 1996 against Moldova before signing off in October 2009 with his final game in a Three Lions shirt against Belarus.

And the former England captain has been awarded a knighthood for his services to sport and charity, describing the honour as ‘truly humbling’ and an ‘emotional moment’.

“On behalf of us all at The Football Association, I would like to congratulate Sir David Beckham on this Royal recognition and thank him for his significant commitment to English football,” said FA Chair, Debbie Hewitt MBE. “His 115 caps and 17 goals, along with his appearance at five major tournaments is testament to our former captain’s contribution to the national team.

Sir David Beckham 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🤩

Congratulations to our former captain, who has been awarded a Knighthood for his services to sport and charity! pic.twitter.com/G9zypNBgHx

— England (@England) June 14, 2025

“At club level, he won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League with Manchester United before further successes internationally with Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

“Since retiring, Sir David has done so much to promote English football around the world, and he is rightly recognised for his support of so many good causes. He is regarded by so many as a national treasure.”

Former Lionesses star Rachel Daly has also been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to association football.

Daly was a part of the 2022 UEFA Women’s EURO winning team who triumphed on home soil in the tournament three years ago, starting all six games. She made 84 senior appearances before announcing her retirement from international football in April last year.

“Rachel Daly is an extremely worthy recipient of the MBE, with an outstanding career over nearly two decades where she became one of English football’s leading lights,” added Debbie. “We all remember her significant contribution to the game-changing success of UEFA EURO 2022.

“Rachel has played an incredible 84 times for the Lionessess, scoring 16 goals. From Harrogate to Houston and on to the world stage, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, one of our most versatile players who has represented England in two World Cups and one EUROs and also Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics. While still shining for Aston Villa, she continues to be part of the Lionesses’ ongoing drive to ensure more girls get the chance to follow in their game-changing footsteps.”

Rachel Daly MBE 😍

Former @Lionesses star @RachelDaly3 has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for her services to association football! pic.twitter.com/PiuG5cwV81

— England (@England) June 14, 2025

Football is well represented in the King’s Birthday Honours, with a number of individuals across grassroots and professional clubs recognised.

Terence Pateman, chair of the Northern Amateur Football League, has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to grassroots sport and community relations.
Frank Rothwell, owner of Oldham Athletic, has been awarded an OBE for charitable services to dementia research.

And Stephen Sutherland, commercial manager at Charlton Athletic Football Club, has also received an OBE for services to sport.

Alongside Daly, Marcel de Matas, lately chair of Bury Football Club, has been awarded an MBE for services to association football.

Frederick Hudson has also received an MBE for services to Arsenal Football Club community.

Three further individuals have also received a British Empire Medal (BEM), including Joseph Adams for services to Altrincham Football Club and charitable fundraising.

“Our congratulations also go to young Altrincham FC fan, Joseph Adams, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the club and to charitable fundraising, to fund disability sports and employability programmes,” continued Debbie.

“Amongst his many fund-raising efforts, Joseph, who has Downs Syndrome completed a ‘No Limits’ challenge last year, taking on an incredible ten 10k runs in ten countries over six days, raising substantial funds for disability sport.”

In addition, Kathryn Burgess, founder of the Cheshire Girls Football League, has also received a BEM for services to girls’ football in mid-Cheshire, along with Valerie Hoyle, secretary of Rotherham United Women Football Club, for services to association football and to the community in Rotherham.

“Our heartfelt congratulations also extend to all others who have been recognised for their invaluable contributions to their football communities,” said Debbie. “It is fantastic to see them get their well-deserved recognition and we thank them for their continued service and dedication to the game.”