During one of David Beckham’s first trips to America in the 1990s, he took a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and marveled at all the stars lining the sidewalks. For a working-class bloke from the East End of London, being immortalized in such a fashion seemed like a pipe dream. But Beckham has never been one to let obstacles get in his way.
His “militant” work ethic he inherited from his parents — his father was a repairman; his mother a hairstylist — guided him to six Premier League titles, UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles, two MLS Cups and England captaincy on the pitch, and cultural-icon status off it. He’s married to a Spice Girl, owns the Inter Miami CF, was the subject of a hit Netflix docuseries, and his twisting free kicks are so arresting they inspired a hit film, “Bend It Like Beckham.” He’s not terrible to look at, either.
And now, he’s been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“I actually can’t believe it,” Beckham tells Variety. “I remember walking in Hollywood and looking for the stars, and all these years later, knowing that I’ll have my own star, it’s a huge honor. America has always meant so much to me.”
Beckham, 51, is quick to stress that none of this was part of the plan. His parents were die-hard fans of Manchester United, traveling some 200 miles from London to Old Trafford to take in matches, and they passed it on to him. All he wanted to be as a kid was a successful soccer player for Man U, and, hopefully, represent his country in the World Cup. He not only achieved those goals but has, in the past year, been knighted by the king of England, become the U.K.’s first billionaire sportsman, had a rose officially named after him and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — achievements that feel nothing short of surreal.
