Southampton and Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis spoke of his honour after receiving his MBE for services to football at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Davis was presented with his medal by the Duke of Cambridge, who is president of the Football Association. Davis captained Northern Ireland at the first international tournament in 30 years.
The 32-year-old said it was an 'honour that I will cherish' to be given an MBE at such a point in his career.
He added: 'I think to get it in any given field is huge, and obviously to still be playing as well, it's unbelievable.