Football hero David Beckham to receive knighthood

David Beckham has become the latest sporting hero to be awarded a knighthood.

The former England football captain will become 'Sir David' after being named on King Charles' birthday honours list.

Beckham played his part London's successful candidature for the 2012 Games, joining the bid delegation in 2005 for the IOC members' vote in Singapore.

He also drove the Olympic Flame down the River Thames during the Opening Ceremony.

Beckham has been a special ambassador for UNICEF since 2005. In 2018, he became a part-owner of Major League Soccer expansion team Inter Miami.

Only last month, he and former Manchester United and England team-mate Gary Neville headed a consortium which took over English fourth-tier club Salford City with the ambition of taking the club to the Premier League.

Now 50, Beckham enjoyed a hugely successful career with United before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid. He later moved to MLS side LA Galaxy, with loan spells at AC Milan, before finishing his career at Paris Saint-Germain.

On the international front, Beckham was vilified after receiving a red card in England's 1998 World Cup round-of-16 clash with Argentina for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England went on to lose the tie in a penalty shoot-out. However, he recovered from that episode to win 115 caps for his country and captained the side on 59 occasions.

Despite his award, it may be some time before Beckham is actually conferred with the honour.

Double Olympic tennis gold medallist Andy Murray received his knighthood at Buckingham Palace in May 2019 - from the then Prince Charles - having been named in the Queen's 2017 New Year's Honours list.

Cycling champions Chris Hoy, Jason Kenny and Bradley Wiggins have also been awarded knighthoods in recent years. Kenny's wife Laura - nee Trott - and Jessica Ennis-Hill are among British Olympic heroes to receive damehoods.

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