Former England captain and global football icon David Beckham was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, June 12, in a ceremony that also highlighted the growing popularity of soccer in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beckham, 51, described the recognition as a “truly incredible moment,” noting how far the sport has come in the U.S. since he joined LA Galaxy in 2007.
“I’ve always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me,” he said.
Film star Tom Cruise attended the event and paid tribute to Beckham, crediting him with helping transform the profile of football in America.
Beckham, who later invested in Inter Miami CF, reflected on the timing of the honor as the U.S. prepares to host matches for the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
“It’s a powerful moment to recognize how the sport I love so much has grown in this country over the past three decades,” he said.
Cruise praised Beckham’s influence on Major League Soccer, noting that the league has expanded significantly since the former midfielder’s arrival.
“When David arrived, Major League Soccer had 13 teams. Today, it has 30,” Cruise said. “That’s the impact we’re celebrating today.”
Beckham’s wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, also highlighted the rapid growth of soccer in the United States, calling it one of the sport’s most exciting eras in the country.
The United States will host its first 2026 World Cup match later on Friday in Los Angeles against Paraguay, marking another milestone in the sport’s rising profile in the country.
Beckham retired from professional football in 2013 after a career spanning clubs such as Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, before transitioning into ownership, business, and media ventures.