Sir David Beckham received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as proud wife Victoria gave him a passionate kiss and his children, minus eldest son Brooklyn, looked on
Sir David Beckham received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The football legend, 51, became the 2,849th person to have been honoured with a spot on the popular tourist location in Los Angeles, with a glamorous ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard.
David was joined by his proud wife Victoria and children, Harper, 14, Cruz, 21, and 23-year-old Romeo. Notably absent was Brooklyn, 27, the couple’s eldest son, who has become publicly estranged from his parents since he married heiress Nicola Peltz.
Brooklyn sent shockwaves around the world in January when he issued a strongly-worded statement on Instagram in which he insisted he does “not want to reconcile” with his parents and accused them of attempting to control the public narrative surrounding their family’s every movement.
Despite living just 20 minutes away from where the ceremony took place, Brooklyn was not there to witness the significant moment for his dad. At the ceremony, however, was Hollywood star Tom Cruise, who has been close friends with David for almost 20 years.
Taking to the stage to pay tribute to her husband, Victoria said: “Growing up in England the Hollywood Walk of Fame was one of those iconic things that you only saw in films, a way of immortalising people who had succeeded in their film and truly left their mark. So, naturally, I assumed I was coming here today to receive my star for my part in that iconic cult classic Spice World: The Movie.
“But as it turns out, earning a star takes a little more than surviving the late nineties box office. It takes vision, determination, and an extraordinary amount of hard work. So to see David’s name become part of that story today is incredibly special. Like so many before him, David came to America with a dream. A dream to share his passion for the beautiful game and help make football, sorry, soccer, one of this country’s great sports.
“He believed that if he worked hard, then anything was possible. Some might have said it was impossible but David has never been very good at listening when he told him something can’t be done.
“He has achieved something extraordinary. And now, with the World Cup upon us, football, sorry, soccer, is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its history which makes this incredible honour feel all the more timely. Behind all his titles is a man who has always been defined by his character, his drive, his determination and his ambition are known to everyone.
“But I’d like to acknowledge his kindness and commitment to those he loves. He gives it everything he’s got without ever losing sight of what matter most.
“David, I am so proud of all you have achieved so far but even more proud of the husband and father you have always been. Congratulations. We love you so much.”
David then took to the stage himself as he said: “I’d like to thank the media, all of the fans who have turned up today and all of the police officers who have helped make this day so special as well. Thank you to Tom and my wife for those kind words, I don’t know how to compete with them but I’m going to do my much.
“I must obviously thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Walk of Fame selection committee. I must admit this is all rather surreal, I’ve experienced some amazing moments in my career but this is truly incredible.
“I’ve always been a dreamer but I could never imagine that an honour like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me.
“I grew up a long way from Hollywood, but as a young boy, I loved soccer more than anything and it was all I ever wanted to do. I always loved America and it’s TV shows. Knight Rider and A-Team were my personal favourites but you could also find me on the sofa watching The Golden Girls with my mum and racing to see the latest blockbuster with my friends.
“Like all boys my age, I was obsessed with action heroes. To stand here with my friend Tom Cruise, the greatest movie star of all time, is mind-blowing. And the fact that mine and Victoria’s first movie date was Jerry Maguire is a mad full-circle moment. Tom, you welcomed me and Victoria to LA nearly 20 years ago and I’m so honoured that you are here today.”
David became visibly overwhelmed as he thanked his family, saying: “My parents and my sisters, who always supported my dreams. Victoria, my amazing wife for almost 30 years. Without whom, none of this would be possible or as enjoyable. And my beautiful children, who are the reason that I get out of the bed in the morning.
“Kids — I’m going to get emotional now — I hope you bring my grandchildren here one day and tell them about a boy who dreamed big.
“To make you all proud is my greatest achievement. I’m so grateful for you all, thank you, and thank you so much for this honour, L.A., it means so much.”
Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez highlighted why David was being honoured with this award: “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome David Beckham to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“David Beckham’s recognition with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the Sports Entertainment category comes at a fitting moment as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup. Beckham’s role in elevating soccer’s profile in America and his lasting influence on sports, entertainment, and global culture make this honour especially meaningful.”
Meanwhile, David refused to talk about his family’s estrangement from son Brooklyn in a new interview with Variety coinciding with him receiving the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, calling it a “private matter”.
In the chat, the interviewer asked dad-of-four David how he deals with the “vicious” media coverage about the “strife” in his family, with the sportsman replying: “To be honest, I’m sorry to stop you there, but that’s a private matter.
“That’s the one thing that I don’t want to talk about.”
