He’s very Hollywood.
David Beckham, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of his generation, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, with his wife Victoria Beckham and best friend Tom Cruise as guest speakers.
Cruz, also a Walk of Famer, spoke first, highlighting his friend’s impressive career.
“Long before we won trophies, packed stadiums, world fame and recognition, there was a boy with a dream and the determination and discipline to win everything that followed,” the actor, looking dapper in a plum suit, said on stage.
“That’s why we feel this is the right place for us to celebrate him. He is a Hollywood story. A boy who believed in something bigger than himself, worked for every opportunity presented to him, influenced his sport, shaped culture around the world, and continued to create opportunities for generations to come.”
“Of all the records, accomplishments and recognition, what impresses me most is that success never changes who he is. The same core values that got him there are the ones he lives by today.”
Cruise, 63, gave a shout-out to Victoria and the “beautiful family” the couple has built, before concluding: “You’ve earned this, but no one, and I mean no one, deserves more, my friend.”
Victoria, wearing a figure-hugging pewter wrap dress, began her speech with a joke.
“Growing up in England, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was one of those iconic things that you only saw in movies. It’s a way to immortalize people who have been successful in their fields and truly left their mark. So, naturally, I thought I was here today to receive a star for my role in the iconic cult classic Spice World.”
Victoria (also known as Posh Spice) went on to praise her husband’s “vision”, “determination” and “extraordinary hard work”, saying that he undoubtedly contributed to the rise of soccer’s global popularity through both his on-field success and international influence.
“Most of you will know David as a sportsman, businessman and activist, but behind those titles is a man who has always been defined by his character. We all know his drive, determination and ambition, but I also want to recognize his kindness, loyalty and dedication to those he loves,” the 52-year-old pop star turned fashion designer chimed in.
When it was David’s turn to take the stage, he called Cruise “the greatest movie star of our time” and revealed: “The fact that Victoria and I’s first movie date was to Jerry Maguire was a pretty crazy full-circle moment.” (The famous movie starring Cruise was released in theaters in December 1996.)
David, who wore a crisp navy suit for the momentous occasion, also thanked the Oscar winner for “welcoming” him and Victoria to Los Angeles nearly 20 years ago and for being a “loyal friend” to them ever since.
David, 51, went on to credit retired basketball legend Michael Jordan for inspiring his passion and trajectory.
“He’s the reason I wore number 23, he showed me that you can be more than just an athlete,” the British native marveled.
He made sure to thank his teammates, friends, and professional colleagues for “always being in (his) corner and rooting for (him).”
“Most of all,” he continued, “I want to thank my amazing family, my parents and my sisters who have always supported my dreams. My wonderful wife of almost 30 years, Victoria. None of this would have been possible or as enjoyable without her.”
David then gave a big shout out to “all of his beautiful children” – sons Brooklyn, 27, Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and daughter Harper, 14 – noting that they are the “reason” he gets out of bed in the morning.
“My children, I hope someday you can bring my grandchildren here and tell me the story of a boy with big dreams,” he concluded. “My greatest accomplishment is making you all proud. I am truly grateful to you all. I love you.”
David then received the star and took a photo. Afterward, he, Cruise and Victoria mingled with the crowd of fans gathered around the ceremony venue.
David and Victoria’s longtime friend Eva Longoria was also in attendance for the big moment. The actress looked elegant in a plum wrap dress.
Romeo, Cruise and Harper were also in attendance, but Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, who is estranged from his family, were absent from the Los Angeles event despite being only 20 minutes apart.
Page Six confirmed Wednesday that Brooklyn and Peltz, 31, will not be attending David’s star ceremony.
A source says Peltz will get in the way even if Brooklyn wants to reconcile after he lashed out at his mom and dad on Instagram in January.
Another person familiar with the feud said Brooklyn was the driving force behind his decision to cut his parents and siblings out of his life.
He and Peltz have not seen their family since Christmas 2024. Notably, she did not attend David’s 50th birthday celebration in London last May.
In an interview with Variety ahead of Friday’s ceremony, David shut down questions about the “feud” between the Beckham clan.
“To be honest, I’m sorry to stop you here, but it’s a personal matter,” he replied. “That’s one thing I don’t want to talk about.”
At the beginning of the wide-ranging roundtable, David spoke about the honor of receiving a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
“It’s just unbelievable,” he told the outlet. “I remember walking through Hollywood looking for stars. It’s such an honor to know that after all these years, I can have my own star. America has always meant so much to me.”
The Englishman explained that when he was young, all he “cared about” was being a successful footballer, claiming he “didn’t care about the fame, fortune or accolades” that came with it.
“So now I feel very lucky to have a star, to be ‘sir’ and all these things that have come with my career so far,” he added of being knighted by King Charles III last year.
Elsewhere in the conversation, David claimed he had “really never” been offered acting in Hollywood, but said he prefers to “stay in[his]lane.”
The father-of-four also revealed that he is encouraging Victoria to reunite with the remaining members of the Spice Girls, whose 30th anniversary reunion scheduled for March has reportedly been cancelled.
David said, “I think they’re all busy doing their own things, but I always hope they can come back and perform together someday.”
