David Beckham to receive UEFA President’s Award

World
Europe

David Beckham – a former midfielder for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England's national football team – will receive the UEFA President’s Award for his great contributions to the sport's development in Europe, UEFA announced on Tuesday.

“The President's Award recognizes outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.

"I have chosen David Beckham as the recipient of this year's award because he has been a global ambassador for football, promoting the game and all its values in every corner of the planet. His tireless humanitarian efforts, which have helped the lives of many children around the world, should also be celebrated. Beckham is a true football icon of his generation.”

David Beckham first grabbed the world's attention as a Manchester United player. /VCG Photo

The award was introduced in 1998 by UEFA and has been delivered to some outstanding names, including Paolo Maldini from Italy, Frank Rijkaard from the Netherlands and Franz Beckenbauer from Germany. Beckham will join English football legends Bobby Robson and Bobby Charlton to become his country's third player to receive the award.

“It is an honor for me to receive the UEFA President's Award. During my career I always gave 100 percent and tried to uphold the values of teamwork and fair play and I am proud to join the illustrious list of players who have previously won this award,” said Beckham.

The 43-year-old former English captain has achieved remarkable success off the field too. In 2015, he established 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund to help children by tackling bullying, violence and other related issues as well as offering education opportunities to young people.

Beckham played 115 games for England and scored 17 goals. /VCG Photo

“My career in football allowed me to actively participate in helping to improve the lives of numerous children across the globe in cooperation with UNICEF and it gives me great pleasure that I am able to give something back to society," Beckham said.

"When people believe in you, you believe in yourself. By giving children, especially girls, the support they need, my 7 Fund is helping them realize their potential.”

Beckham will receive the award in Monaco later in 2018. He has played over 700 games for multiple clubs and was the first English player to finish 100 UEFA Champions League games. Beckham has also made 115 appearances for his country and scored 17 goals.