Victoria Beckham jokes about Spice World as David Beckham receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star
The former England captain was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Friday, with wife Victoria Beckham drawing laughs by pretending the honour was for her role in the 1997 film Spice World.
A working-class dream realised
David Beckham, the 51-year-old former England footballer and co-owner of Inter Miami, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday. The ceremony in Los Angeles drew his family, including wife Victoria and three of their four children, as well as actor Tom Cruise and former teammate Robbie Keane. Beckham told the audience he had "always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honour like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me." He recalled growing up in the East End of London, a long way from Hollywood, and being obsessed with American TV shows and action heroes.
Victoria's playful tribute
Victoria Beckham, the 52-year-old fashion designer and former Spice Girl, lightened the mood by saying she had initially thought the star was for her part in the 1997 comedy Spice World. The film, a week-in-the-life story of the band, was panned, and she joked that receiving a star required a little more than that. Turning serious, she praised her husband's vision, determination and extraordinary work ethic, adding,
That's why it's very special to see David's name today as part of this history.
Tom Cruise calls it a Hollywood story
Actor Tom Cruise, 63, delivered a tribute calling Beckham a role model for discipline and perseverance. He described Beckham's life as a Hollywood story built on determination and hard work. Cruise said,
At the beginning there was a boy with a dream — and with the determination and discipline to work for everything.
Beckham returned the affection, noting that his and Victoria's first movie date was Jerry Maguire, the 1996 romantic comedy starring Cruise, and describing the moment as a "pretty mad full circle."
A legacy in American soccer
Beckham's star was awarded in the sports entertainment category, with organisers citing his role in raising the profile of football in the United States and his lasting impact on sport, entertainment and global culture. He became the first English player to win league titles in four countries (England, Spain, the United States and France) and ended his playing career in 2013 after spells at LA Galaxy and Paris Saint‑Germain. Since 2018 he has been a co‑owner of Inter Miami, which signed Lionel Messi in 2023 and won its first MLS title in 2025.
- Spice World film released, later joked about by Victoria Beckham
- Joins LA Galaxy, first major European star in MLS
- Wins first MLS Cup with LA Galaxy, 1-0 over Houston Dynamo
- Wins second MLS Cup with LA Galaxy, defeating Houston Dynamo again
- Retires after short spell at Paris Saint-Germain
- Becomes co-owner of Inter Miami CF
- Inter Miami signs Lionel Messi
- Inter Miami wins first MLS Cup as a franchise
- Receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Robbie Keane and a lasting friendship
Former Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane attended with his wife Claudine, underscoring the bond formed during two seasons together at LA Galaxy. The pair won MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012, with Keane later telling FourFourTwo that he and Beckham helped change the league. Keane, LA Galaxy's second‑highest goalscorer all‑time, recalled Beckham's role in sealing his £3.5 million transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. The families have remained close, with Keane once going viral after being labelled an "unidentified fan" beside Beckham at an NBA game.
