Frank Lampard was 'honoured' to be inducted into the Legends of Football Hall of Fame on Monday night at a star-studded event in London.
The Chelsea legend joined a list of elite names to have received the award following his scintillating career at club and international level.
The now Derby County manager picked up the prestigious gong at the charity event, which saw the likes of Harry Redknapp, Jamie Carragher, Sven Goran Eriksson and the recently retired John Terry in attendance for the bash.
Lampard said after receiving his award: 'It's a real honour for me to receive the Legends of Football award this year. Just seeing my name mentioned amongst those past winners is something to cherish.'
While the event did see some of the biggest names in football attend, there were a few notable absentees who offered kind words to Lampard during the ceremony.
Jose Mourinho, Didier Drogba and Vincent Kompany all heaped praise on Chelsea's all-time top goalscorer in short video packages that were played during the night.
'Frank Lampard, for me, was not just one of my best players ever but was more important than that was one of the best professionals,' Mourinho said in a pre-recorded message.
The Manchester United boss then went on to praise Lampard for his League Cup victory over his side at Old Trafford.
'As I told you when we met at Old Trafford, only a man with great potential can organise a team to play that way. And I knew you were desperate to beat me, but you did. It was 2-2 after 90 minutes.'
Drogba, who lifted the Champions League trophy with Lampard, apologised for not being able to be there but insisted he would 'go to war' for his former team-mate.
'For me, I'm not surprised,' Drogba said. 'This legends award is deserved because you had an amazing career as a player and most importantly, and this is what I wanted to highlight, as a man you're someone I would want to go to war for because I like the way you are and the principles and the values that you share with everyone.
'You're a true gentleman and people know that. I would like to wish you also good luck in your new career as a manager. I am following you – I love the results, good results, and who knows, maybe I am going to come and finish my career there.'
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany also paid tribute to the former England international, who played at the Etihad for one season before making his move to New York in the latter years of his career.
Kompany said: 'I've played against you as an opponent, really difficult to play against – always arriving late in the box, really annoying – and as a team-mate, I've been able to see what has made you tick over the years, what has made you so successful.
'I'm taking what you did as an example when you came to City and it was a privilege to play with you.'
The Legends of Football event has been raising funds for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins for the past 20 years and has been inducting icons of the sport annually.
Past winners of the award have included legends such as Brian Clough, Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alex Ferguson and Pele.
The glitzy event was headlined by The Who's Roger Daltry and presented Lampard with his 'nipper' award.
Daltrey, an avid Arsenal fan, said: 'I was delighted to perform at this year's Legends of Football event.
'It's an honour to be involved with such a great cause and to be part of a wonderful night of football and music to celebrate the career of a true footballing legend, Frank Lampard, even if he is a Chelsea hero.'
'I'm also very excited to help raise funds for Nordoff Robbins who do fabulous work to change the lives of vulnerable and isolated people through music.
'Having been amongst the first bands to support Nordoff Robbins when The Who played one of their first events back in 1976, it's wonderful to still be able to help such a great organisation and a truly worthy cause.'
Julie Whelan, Nordoff Robbins CEO said 'We're so excited that Roger Daltrey performed here tonight.
'In addition to being an incredible artist, Roger's long-standing affiliation with Nordoff Robbins makes him the perfect choice to headline, and as expected he was fantastic.'
