Congratulations David Beckham!
(Reuters) David Beckham won the Outstanding Contribution to British Sport accolade at the 2007 Sport Industry Awards last night. Photos from the event are in the gallery.
The award was presented by Thierry Henry and Sebastian Coe.
Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to David Beckham’s contribution to British sport saying, “In a world where celebrity comes too easily, David deserves his fame.”
“The phenomenal interest in his move to the United States is a reflection not just of his talent but also of his understanding of the importance of sport as an industry.”
“He’s been a huge cultural icon for our country but most of all he plays football brilliantly and whenever he wore the England shirt he wore it with pride.”
Sir Alex Ferguson also paid tribute, he described David Beckham, who he brought through the ranks at Manchester United, as a ‘fantastic player’.
He said: “I think it’s a wonderful achievement and well deserved. David’s been a credit to football since he was a boy when he came to Manchester United at the age of 12.”
“I always remember the little elfin face, five feet nothing and then he grew into a fantastic footballer.”
“He’s a credit to the game and a credit to Manchester United.”
David Beckham was the first individual to win the award with London 2012 (2006) and England Rugby (2004) among the previous winners.
David Beckham speaking at the ceremony said, “Throughout my career I’ve worked hard because you get nothing without working hard.”
“But I’ve also been blessed to play for two of the best clubs (Manchester United and Real Madrid) in the world and have also played with some of the best players in the world.”
He also talked about England saying, “The biggest honour in my career was winning the England captain’s armband and giving that up has been very difficult.”
“Not playing for England has also been very difficult, but I’m always available for my country.”
“But if I never play for my country again I’ve lived my boyhood dream of playing for my country and captaining my country.”
Becks also defended the England team, insisting they do play with passion but refused to be drawn on the question of whether the pressure England managers face is fair, full comments here.
Photos show Becks was rocking a new “do”. So what do you think of the new hair cut?
Does this mean we are having fun again!? It must. Otherwise, what is the world coming to when I skipped sending a 12 paragraph comment on all things England Team n Becks this morning, and I am now about to comment on a haircut? Well at least no one had to try and slog through another England analysis…and I did previously resist saying that I'm the only person on earth who liked the red dress with the pink zipper that seemed to knock war and famine out of internet "news" for awhile
! The new do? I'll miss the Harry Potter thing he's had going on for so long if he opts for the plastered on the forehead version, but as long as the smile is back that's all that matters to me. GREAT award, VERY well said by Mr. Blair, and I'll try to avoid the fashion pages for the next few days even if it means I can't open a paper or turn on the computer 
!
I preferred it the way it was but its not a big big diffrence hes still looking hot thats for sure lolol
congrats to David, the recognition is richly deserved he's done so much for Britain!
I'm glad SAF paid tribute, it's overdue.
Congratulations to David and I'm also very happy on SirAF's comments.
He is totally gorgeous
I would like to emphasize Blair's comments: "In a world where celebrity comes too easily, David deserves his fame.""The phenomenal interest in his move to the United States is a reflection not just of his talent but also of his understanding of the importance of sport as an industry.""He's been a huge cultural icon for our country but most of all he plays football brilliantly and whenever he wore the England shirt he wore it with pride."Becks deserves it all. Congrats to him!
Cogratulations Beckham. He really deserved that award. And about the hair I preferred the way it was before, but nothing can make him look bad. He is still smokin hot. I'm glad he finally got a little bit of happiness after all those problems he's been having. That smile is worth the hair and everything else.
Ok, now that I've seen the photos, I think his new hair cut looks better, in the pictures where he is with Victoria, than the one where he is receiving the award, but I still like it much better the way he used to have it before.
i love the new hairstyle it looks fresh. and he looks so sexy and hot. he could pull of any hairstyle. anybody agree with me?
I agree with you! I think he looked fantastic at the awards, loved the way he looks in a tux… that man is so hot!