Sir David Beckham confesses to one major regret from his career

Martin Macdonald

• 15 Nov 2025 06:31 CST
• 2 min read

Nieuws

David Beckham is one of a few footballers who have transcended the sport.

The former England captain enjoyed a magnificent career and played with some of the biggest clubs on the planet including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

His high-profile transfer to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy is credited with ushering in a boom of interest in football in the United States.

Away from the pitch, he is known as a celebrity icon and in November of 2025 he received a knighthood from His Majesty the King to become Sir David Beckham.

He has been retired for many years, but nothing compares to the rush that comes with playing elite-level football, and he admits that his biggest regret from his career is not appreciating certain moments as they happened.

"When you go through any big life stage or event, sometimes it's hard to take it all in in the moment," he told People.

"I miss my football playing days dearly, and I don't think I appreciated back then how much I would miss it all when it was gone. If I were to change anything, it would be to tell my younger self to really take in the moment."

Following his knighting ceremony at the beginning of November, Beckham said:

"I couldn't be prouder. People know how patriotic I am - I love my country.

"I've always said how important the monarchy is to my family.

"I'm lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud."

Which footballers have been knighted?

Beckham is the 16th footballer to be knighted...

* Though Lord Ian Botham was knighted for services to cricket, he also made 11 Football League appearances for Scunthorpe United.