David Beckham slammed by critics after unveiling bizarre Hollywood Walk of Fame star
David Beckham has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and people aren't quite sure why.
The former England and Manchester United player received the honour yesterday (12 June) evening, shortly before the US leg of the World Cup kicked off in Los Angeles.
Beckham was joined by Victoria Beckham, and three of their four children - eldest son Brooklyn was not in attendance - while Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise gave a speech to honour his achievements.
"It is an honour for me to be here today to celebrate my friend David Beckham as he receives his star on Hollywood Boulevard." Cruise said.
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"Congratulations to you. You earned this, and nobody, and I mean nobody, deserves it more, my friend."
Beckham, who is being honoured for his services to US football as well as his wider influence across entertainment and culture, then stepped up to give a speech, acknowledging that it was perfect timing for his ceremony to coincide with the World Cup.
"I’ve 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 said.
"How fitting then that I am here today as we prepare to celebrate the opening here in the US of the 2026 World Cup. It’s a powerful moment to recognise how the sport I love so much has grown in this country over the past three decades."
While Beckham's influence on football is undeniable, people were left questioning whether or not a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was really the most appropriate honour.
"Why in the world David Beckham received a star in Hollywood Walk of Fame? How many Oscars did he got??? You can buy everything nowadays. Such a joke," wrote one confused person on X.
"Why does an Englishman who played football, get a [star] on the Hollywood walk of fame?" questioned another, while a third added: "This is outrageous... A perfect example of why having a Walk of Fame star has become so meaningless. There are countless people on that Walk of Fame that have zero business being on it."
Who qualifies for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame website, the criteria for getting a star are as follows: professional achievement, longevity in the category of five years or more, contributions to the community and the guarantee that the celebrity will attend the dedication ceremony if selected.
Meanwhile, categories for eligible applications include:
- Motion Pictures
- Television
- Radio
- Recording
- Live Theatre/Performance
- Sports Entertainment
Honorees do not have to be American to be considered.
Anyone interested in getting a star has to apply for consideration, which costs $275 (£205).
Beckham joins fellow athletes such as tennis player Billie Jean King, Earvin “Magic” Johnson (awarded for Magic Johnson Theatres), and Muhammad Ali to be honoured with a star.
Not everyone was critical of Beckham, who played for LA Galaxy towards the end of his career, with several people praising the move.
"Absolutely deserved! From Manchester United legend to Hollywood icon, Sir David Beckham continues to win. What a career," one supporter wrote, while a second added: "A star on the pitch, and now permanently in the pavement of greatness."
Topics: David Beckham, Celebrity, Football
Brenna Cooper