David Beckham Gets BBC Lifetime Achievement Award

Football star David Beckham was honored the other night at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year gala, receiving the biggest award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Beckham, who had come to the bash in the company of his wife Victoria and their three children, was received with thunderous applause and a nearly embarrassingly long standing ovation, as the video below will confirm.

Even Victoria, who rarely shows any sign of emotion in public – even prompting the proliferation of a joke online that she didn’t smile because she didn’t have any teeth in her mouth – was so moved by seeing David up there that she could hardly hold back tears.

After the amazing welcome, David thanked everyone who had helped him become what he is now, including his parents, his team mates, his coaches and, last but not least, his family.

A visibly emotional David also took the time before leaving the stage to dedicate his award to the British soldiers in Afghanistan, saying a few words about their bravery and dedication.

“I’m obviously really humbled because to receive an award for something I love doing and have always loved doing is amazing. To receive it from Sir Bobby Charlton, I am truly honored,” David said after he recovered a little.

“Football is a team game and without the teams and the players’ support I have had over the years, I wouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t be here without the skill and support of those players,” he added.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play with some of the great teams over the years. Playing for England has been one of the highlights and biggest things of my career,” David said.

He also thanked his parents for their constant support throughout his career and then, his voice cracking a bit, to his family and wife Victoria for never ceasing to inspire him.

“This year I went to Afghanistan and I saw the bravery of our troops out there. And what they do day in and day out, they risk their lives to save other people. I dedicate my award to the men and the women who are serving our country in Afghanistan. Be safe and have a great Christmas,” David concluded by saying.