Sir David Beckham said he “could never have imagined” that he would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as “a working-class English soccer player”.
The former footballer, 51, was recognised with a star on Friday for his role in elevating the profile of soccer in America, and his lasting influence on sport, entertainment and global culture.
Sir David thanked his “incredible family” and “beautiful children”, while reflecting on how “mind-blowing” the achievement is.
The London-born star said: “I must admit that this is all rather surreal. I’ve experienced some amazing moments in my career, but to be here in Los Angeles receiving a star on the world-famous Walk of Fame is truly incredible.
“I’ve always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honour like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me.
“I grew up in the East End of London, a long way from Hollywood. As a young boy, I loved soccer more than anything and it was all I ever wanted to do. I always loved America, though, and its TV shows.”
Before Sir David’s speech, Hollywood star Tom Cruise praised his 20 year career – in which he became the first English player to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the United States and France.
Sir David said: “I was obsessed with action heroes, so to stand here in front of my friend Tom Cruise – the greatest movie star of our time – is quite frankly mind blowing.”
“The fact that mine and Victoria’s first movie date was Jerry Maguire is a pretty mad full circle moment,” Sir David added, referring to Cruise’s starring role in the hit 1996 romantic comedy.
He continued: “I want to thank my incredible family, my parents and my sisters, who always supported my dreams.
“Victoria, my amazing wife of almost 30 years, without whom none of this would be possible or enjoyable, and my beautiful children, who are the reason that I get out of bed in the morning.”
He grew emotional as he concluded his speech, and said his “greatest achievement” was to make his children proud and he hoped they will “bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big”.
Lady Victoria Beckham also spoke at the event and joked that she thought the star was for her starring role in 1997 cult classic Spice World.
The Spice Girls singer, nicknamed Posh Spice, described the occasion as “so special” and hailed her husband’s “kindness, loyalty and commitment to the people that he loves”.
“David, I am so proud of everything you have achieved so far, but even more proud of the husband, father and person that you have always been,” she added.
Sir David has supported a number of charity causes, including as a goodwill ambassador for humanitarian aid organisation Unicef since 2005.
Last year he received a knighthood for his services to sport and charity.
The couple, nicknamed Posh and Becks, were accompanied by their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper for the ceremony at 6819 Hollywood Boulevard.
Their eldest son Brooklyn was not present amid an ongoing family feud, when he accused his parents of “trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding” in a social media post in January.
He also previously alleged that his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham had been “disrespected” by his family.
Lady Beckham spoke about the feud with Brooklyn for the first time in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, and said she and Sir David “love our children so much” and have “always tried to be the best parents”.
