David Beckham could finally receive a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List – despite his previous alleged comments on the award.
Beckham, 49, is widely considered a ‘national treasure’ in the UK, having captained England and enjoyed success as a player at Manchester United before moving on to Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG.
Following his 2013 retirement, Beckham has been involved with multiple business ventures, including Salford City Football Club, several advertising campaigns for huge global corporations as well as being the co-owner and president of Inter Miami.
The former England captain has crossed over into popular culture and is a household name in most countries globally.
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In 2003, Beckham received an Order of the British Empire (OBE).
However, he is yet to receive the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
But his charity work could soon be rewarded by King Charles.
According to the Mirror, Beckham has been described as “the perfect guest” in royal circles, having attended a state banquet on Tuesday night in honour of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher.
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Beckham may have thought his chance to be made an MBE had gone after a series of emails were allegedly exposed in 2017, in which he reportedly branded the Honours Committee as “unappreciative c***s”.
He allegedly wrote: “I expected nothing less. It's a disgrace to be honest, and if I was American I would have got something like this 10 years ago."
The rant also reportedly mentioned singer Catherine Jenkins, who was awarded an MBE in 2014.
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"For what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. F****** joke,” Beckham allegedly questioned, according to the Mirror’s report.
The messages, sent to a business associate, reportedly detailed his dismay at not being named an MBE.
Despite the alleged messages, Beckham has grown close to the royals in recent years attending the weddings of both the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex.
The 49-year-old was also named as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation in the summer of 2024.
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A source reportedly told the Mirror: “It would appear now more than any time previously that David Beckham is in prime position for a Knighthood.”
SPORTbible has contacted David Beckham's representatives for comment.
Topics: David Beckham, Football
Luke Alfred Davies