Former England footballer Ian Wright grins as he is handed an OBE by Prince William at Buckingham Palace

Former England footballer Ian Wright beamed with pride as he was awarded an OBE at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace today.

The 60-year-old, who played professionally between 1985 and 2000, received the honour for his services to football and to charity. 

Wright gave a big grin as he stepped up to collect his medal from Prince William. 

The former Arsenal striker, who was also the club’s record goalscorer, has continued to be a prominent figure since retiring from football.

The star has gone on to achieve a successful broadcast career, both as a TV presenter and football pundit with regular slots on BBC, ITV, and Premier League TV. 

The 60-year-old, who played professionally between 1985 and 2000, received the honour for his services to football and to charity

Ian Wright in action for England against Italy in 1997

He was made an MBE in the 2000 New Year Honours shortly after his retirement from playing, and received the Freedom of the City of London last month.

He has spoken powerfully about racism in football and last summer during the Women’s Euros added his voice for the calls for girls to be given equal access to the sport at school. 

Wright is also heavily involved in the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust, which aims to make sport more accessible for those from less privileged backgrounds.

He has said on his role with the foundation: ‘Playing sport builds confidence and raises aspirations and I’m passionate about making it easier for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get involved in their sporting passion.

‘I’m proud to be the patron of the Jordan Sinnott charity which aims to help grassroots sports across the country to thrive.

‘Jordan’s passing is a huge loss not only to his friends and family, but the sporting world, so it’s an honour to help champion the charity in his name and turn such a devastating tragedy into something positive.’ 

Wright gave a big grin as he stepped up to collect his medal from Prince William

The former Arsenal striker, who was also the club’s record goalscorer, has continued to be a prominent figure since retiring from football

In 1991 he signed for Arsenal for a then-club record of £2.5 million. He became the team’s all-time top scorer, as well as winning a Premier League title, two FA Cups and one League Cup

Wright started his career in football whilst working as a plasterer alongside Sunday league football.

At 21, he signed his first professional contract at Crystal Palace and went on to score over 100 goals for the club.

In 1991 he signed for Arsenal for a then-club record of £2.5 million. He became the team’s all-time top scorer, as well as winning a Premier League title, two FA Cups and one League Cup.

His career also saw short spells at West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley before retirement, as well as 33 caps and nine goals for England.