His team didn’t make the 2015 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, but this week hasn’t been all bad for New York City FC’s Frank Lampard.
The English Designated Player was honored by the crown on Tuesday, receiving an OBE – that’s an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for all you filthy commoners out there – from Prince William, Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace for his “contributions to football.”
“It’s right up there with my achievements on the pitch with Chelsea,” Lampard told Sky Sports after receiving the honor. “A very proud day for myself and my family. It was surreal. We flew back from New York last night. I was very excited; have never been to the palace before.”
Lampard is the third MLS player to be honored by the British monarchy, but the first to receive his honor while playing in the league. LA Galaxy DP Steven Gerrard was given an MBE – one step below an OBE – in 2007, and former LA star David Beckham received his OBE in 2003. Lampard had three goals and one assist in 10 games with NYCFC after joining the club this summer.
