David Beckham has once again been snubbed for a knighthood – and the football legend’s past frustration with the awarding committee has sparked a huge debate on whether he truly deserves the honour
David Beckham has yet again been snubbed for a knighthood – and Mirror readers have had plenty to say about it this week.
One of the most recognisable faces in British sport has long been regarded as a sir-in-waiting for his services to football. But can Becks really be that surprised he was overlooked this year?
Leaked emails from 2017 revealed him savaging that year’s committee for omitting him from its New Years Honours list. The ex-player is said to have branded them “unappreciative c***s” and added that he “didn’t care about being knighted” – though the ex-midfielder has claimed some of the leaked emails had been doctored.
The messages claim Beckham raged: “I expected nothing less. It’s a disgrace to be honest and if I was American I would of got something like this 10 years ago.” He is also reported to have slammed opera star Katherine Jenkins after she was given an OBE. “Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops. F***ing joke.”
We asked you if it was time for David Beckham to get a knighthood? A hefty 2,694 said no they didn’t think so, while 1,357 said yes, he deserved it. Many of you commented on our original story, here’s just a selection of what some of you had to say:
AlanBigAl: “Definitely not and never. Unsung heroes – a big YES, always. All he thinks about is £££££’s and himself.’
Phid: “The whole system should be reviewed as those who receive the honours have been doing things they love and generally been paid a lot of money for doing them. There are many lesser known and not so rich folk who get honoured and maybe that’s ok but rich sportsmen etc grovelling for an award shouldn’t be honoured at all. However I’m sure Beckham’s begging will work eventually.”
Ghgig: “A knighthood is something awarded to those who deserve it and in many cases is often seen as a tribute to years of subtle, honourable and substantive devotion to your chosen field of speciality – it could even be a surprise. A knighthood should not be awarded to any individual who has been at best devious with their interpretation of statute legislation, brazenly works to ensure their persona is squeaky clean, actively lobbies for the award and has a hissy fit when the award is not made when it was expected.”
Rabbit10: “After what he has done for football and Unicef I think he deserves to be a Sir.”
RubyTuesday2: “I can’t understand when a lot of these ‘stars’ get recognised just for doing their jobs.”
Supermom: “Finest example of ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ I’ve ever seen!”
Joker0000: “In 2017 he criticised Katherine Jenkins for being given an OBE in the honours list. No, he definitely doesn’t deserve a knighthood.”
Spursman5: “Can’t see why he deserves a knighthood. Especially when he’s begging for it.”
If you can’t see the poll, click here.
Beckham’s former England teammate Gareth Southgate was among those to receive a knighthood this year for his services for football. Previously, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Robson have all been awarded similar gongs for their role in the sport.
Sportswoman Keely Hodgkinson was also appointed an OBE, putting her on equal footing with Beckham, who was awarded an OBE for services to football by the Queen in June 2003. There was also an OBE for former Everton, Manchester United and West Ham boss David Moyes, and an MBE for Liverpool legend Alan Hansen.
Helen Glover, one of the country’s greatest-ever rowers with more than 20 gold medals to her name, was honoured with an OBE in this year’s list. Former F1 driver and sports presenter Martin Brundle was also named., while nine-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockcroft has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
What do you think? Is it time Beckham is given a knighthood? There’s still time to take our poll and have your say in the comments below.
