Newcastle United's Dan Burn was hailed a "Northumberland legend" as he collected his home county's highest honour.
The Blyth-born defender, whose towering header helped the Magpies to a historic Carabao Cup win in March, has been presented with the Freedom of Northumberland.
Burn said he was "quite emotional" after receiving an ornate scroll, medal and tie decorated with the Northumberland flag, in a special ceremony at County Hall.
"It's a real honour, especially for just playing football," he said.
The award caps a remarkable few months for the 33-year-old, who also made his first England appearance in March and has recently signed a new contract to keep him at Newcastle until 2027.
"It is always nice to get footballing achievements, but to be given this away from football as well is a real privilege and quite emotional," Burn told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The Freedom of Northumberland is a symbolic status bestowed upon individuals to recognise their services to the county.
Berwick-born Lioness Lucy Bronze is a former recipient.
Council leader Glen Sanderson, who nominated Burn for the honour, said the defender was "someone with a proud Blyth history".
"He is a very good man and also a hero to many for what he has achieved on and off the pitch- a real Northumberland legend," he said.
Eddie Howe has also been awarded the Freedom of Newcastle this week, an honour held by club legends such as Alan Shearer, Jackie Milburn and Sir Bobby Robson.