David Beckham was moved to tears on Friday as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounded by his wife Victoria and three of their four children for one of the most emotional moments of his life.
The retired football legend, 51, was honored with the 2,849th. star on the Walk of Fame at a ceremony on June 12, recognized in the sports entertainment category.
Tom Cruise spoke at the event, recalling Beckham’s most iconic sporting moments and reflecting on his legacy, while Victoria also took the microphone and joked about her own star on the Walk of Fame before speaking warmly of her husband’s character.
“He believed that if he worked hard and dreamed big enough, anything was possible,” she said, praising his “kindness, loyalty and commitment to the people he loves.”
Speaking himself, Beckham was honest about the magnitude of the moment.
“I’ve always been a dreamer but I could never have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English footballer like me,” he said.
He remembered his favorite Hollywood movies and TV shows from childhood favorites Knight Rider and The A team for Tom Cruise Jerry Maguirewhich he described as his and Victoria’s first movie date.
However, it was his words to his family that made him visibly cope.
“Victoria, my amazing wife of almost 30 years. Without whom none of this would be possible or as enjoyable. And my beautiful children, who are the reason I get out of bed in the morning,” he said before pausing.
“Kids, I’m getting emotional now, I hope you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big. Making you all proud is my greatest accomplishment. I’m so grateful to you all.”
Victoria, 52, was joined at the ceremony by sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 21, as well as daughter Harper, 14.
The couple’s eldest son Brooklyn Peltz Beckham was notably absent amid the family’s ongoing estrangement.
David arrived in a classic navy blue suit, while Victoria was elegant in a long gray dress.
Other guests included former US men’s national team star Landon Donovan, James Corden, Eva Longoria and former Ireland international Robbie Keane.
Beckham had moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to play for the LA Galaxy, a chapter he acknowledged during his speech as crucial to everything that followed, including ultimately Friday’s honor.
