David Beckham is to be honoured with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, organisers have announced, as the United States readies to host the World Cup.
The former footballer's pop star-turned-fashion designer wife, Victoria Beckham, and actor Tom Cruise will be at the ceremony on 12 June to unveil the plaque immortalising the English midfielder on Hollywood's most famous thoroughfare.
The ceremony for the 51-year-old former England captain will take place hours before the first game on US soil in this year's World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
"David Beckham's recognition with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the Sports Entertainment category comes at a fitting moment as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup," said Ana Martinez of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
"Beckham's role in elevating soccer's profile in America and his lasting influence on sports, entertainment, and global culture make this honour especially meaningful," she said.
During his club playing career, Beckham spent time at Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, the American side LA Galaxy, and Paris Saint-Germain, where he hung up his boots in 2013.
More recently, he became a co-owner of the American team Inter Miami CF, which signed Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, and won the Major League Soccer Cup Championship last year.
Beckham, who was knighted by Britain's King Charles III last year, has also ventured into the entertainment industry, co-founding the content production company Studio 99 in 2019.
Source: AFP
