The Real Madrid [ Images ] midfielder, who will join Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the European season, received his award from Arsenal's [ Images ] French striker Thierry Henry [ Images ] and 2012 London [ Images ] Olympics [ Images ] chairman Sebastian Coe at a ceremony in central London.

Tributes flowed for Beckham's contribution to British sport.

"In a world where celebrity comes too easily, David deserves his fame," said Prime Minister Tony Blair [ Images ].

"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."