Football idol David Beckham joined the ranks of entertainment royalty when he was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hours before the United States hosted its first game of the 2026 World Cup.
Film legend Tom Cruise was on hand to pay tribute to Beckham, who he said had changed the face of football in the United States.
Former Manchester United and England captain Beckham, 51, said it was a “truly incredible moment”.
“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.”
Beckham, who spent six seasons with LA Galaxy from 2007, said he was deeply honoured to be feted by a Hollywood star.
“Beckham’s arrival changed this sport in this country. People who had never watched football or soccer suddenly had a reason to,” Cruise said.
“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.” – AFP
