David Beckham receives Hollywood star as World Cup begins in US
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Football legend David Beckham received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just before the United States' first game of the 2026 World Cup.
- Film star Tom Cruise praised Beckham for transforming football's popularity in the U.S. during his time with the LA Galaxy.
- Beckham expressed his honor, noting the sport's growth in America over the past three decades and his own journey from a working-class player.
Football icon David Beckham was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, coinciding with the United States hosting its inaugural match of the 2026 World Cup.
I've always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me.
Film legend Tom Cruise paid tribute to Beckham, stating that the former Manchester United and England captain had significantly boosted the sport's profile in the United States. Beckham, 51, described the moment as "truly incredible" and a dream come true for a "working-class English soccer player."
"How fitting then that I am here today as we prepare to celebrate the opening here in the US of the 2026 World Cup," Beckham said. He reflected on the sport's growth in the country over the last 30 years, particularly during his six seasons with the LA Galaxy starting in 2007.
How fitting then that I am here today as we prepare to celebrate the opening here in the US of the 2026 World Cup.
Beckham expressed his deep honor at being recognized by Cruise, calling him "the greatest movie star of our time." He thanked the actor for welcoming him to Los Angeles two decades ago and for being a loyal friend and inspiration. Cruise highlighted Beckham's impact, noting that his arrival "changed this sport in this country," leading to the expansion of Major League Soccer from 13 to 30 teams.
You welcomed us to LA 20 years ago, and you have been a loyal friend and an inspiration to me ever since.
Beckham's wife, Victoria, a fashion designer and businesswoman, added that soccer is entering an exciting phase in the U.S., making the honor particularly timely. The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Beckham, who retired in 2013, has since invested in Inter Miami CF and founded a content production company.
When David arrived, Major League Soccer had 13 teams. Today, it has 30. That's the impact we're celebrating today: not just an extraordinary career, but a legacy that changed the trajectory of a sport.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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