David Beckham has once again been left out in the cold, overlooked from the New Year’s Honors list. The England legend has no shortage of accolades or achievements attached to his name, but his wait for a knighthood continues.
Many expected the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger to be knighted, as he also captained the Three Lions for six years (via The Looking Glass).
Beckham was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021. He has also served as a goodwill ambassador for Unicef since 2005.
While knighthood has eluded England’s former patron, he was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honors List in 2003.
The United legend’s latest disappointment came despite his constant displays of reverence and respect, including queuing for more than 13 hours to see Queen Elizabeth in bed.
The earliest Beckham can hope for a distinguished honor will have to be the King’s Birthday Honors List later this year.
some black markings
Beckham’s knighthood campaign has had some successes this year. His life and his career have often been followed by controversy and drama: such is the guilt-ridden experience of fame.
In 2013, Beckham was one of 140 celebrities allegedly caught up in the clever 2013 tax evasion scheme. He was eventually cleared and returned to the official recommendation list in 2021.
In 2017, Beckham received another black mark in his name. A series of incriminating emails showed his disdain for being overlooked by the committee.
In the leaked emails, Beckham called the committee members “ungrateful cs” and claimed he didn’t “mind being knighted.”
The England hall of famer later claimed that some emails were tampered with. Beckham has been widely criticized for his role as Qatar’s 2022 ambassador. The role is reportedly worth £150 million over ten years and preceded the latest snub of him.
While a spotless career is beyond the English great, he will be hoping against all odds that this year he receives the knighthood that has eluded him for so many years.
United Matchday Magazine – Stay on top of everything in red! Still craving more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £1.25 per issue / £3.75 per month, you’ll receive unique United information, delivered directly to your inbox, before every game and throughout the month. Get exclusive preparation for every game, plus team news, tactics and history. .Not only that: United Matchday is packed with features, news, transfer news, riddles, nostalgia and humor. Impress your friends and stay on top of everything in red!
