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.