David Beckham's X-rated leaked emails made knighthood feelings clear amid new speculation
David Beckham has previously seen emails leaked which claimed he didn't care about getting knighted - but the Manchester United legend has been handed a boost for the next New Year's Honours List
There is growing speculation that David Beckham could finally land a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List - despite the football icon once claiming he "didn't care about being knighted" in leaked emails.
The former England captain, 49, received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2003 but has been overlooked since then. But the Mirror has exclusively revealed that it is now being suggested that the 49-year-old could finally be knighted after growing close to the King in recent months.
The King could bestow the honour on Beckham as part of his New Year’s Honours list, in a testament to his charity work across the world. Beckham and his fashion designer wife Victoria were surprise guests at 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.
Beckham was described in royal circles as “the perfect guest” for the state occasion. However in a busy sports year that has seen several British athletes succeed at the Olympics and England's men's football team make the final of the Euros, the ex-Manchester United man's wait could well continue.
READ MORE: David Beckham's Christmas advert sparks safety concerns from panicked fans as brand speaks outREAD MORE: Speculation mounts that 'perfect royal guest' David Beckham will be knightedBack in 2017, he faced problems after a damning set of emails were leaked. In those emails, Beckham took aim at the honours committee for omitting him. He called them "unappreciative c***s" and insisted that he didn't "care about being knighted".
He was also alleged to have written: "I expected nothing less. It's a disgrace to be honest and if I was American I would of [sic] got something like this 10 years ago."
Beckham appeared to take aim at some of those who have received honours, allegedly taking aim at singer Katherine Jenkins, who received an OBE. Beckham is alleged to have written: "For what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops." He later claimed that some of the emails had been doctored and as a result were fake.
He remains a fan favourite but some of his decisions post-retirement have been questioned. He was caught up in the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme in 2013, albeit he was later cleared of wrongdoing and added back to the official recommendations list two years ago.
In 2022 he caused yet more controversy when he chose to take up an ambassador role for Qatar ahead of the World Cup, for which he is thought to be paid £150million over 10 years. He was a major advocate of the gulf state hosting the tournament despite their record of humans rights issues and stance on homosexuality, taking part in several advertisement videos.
Beckham was reportedly paid £10million a year for three years to promote Qatar, with an option to extend. However, the price for his reputation remains to be seen after he faced widespread criticism for signing the ambassador deal despite its strict laws around homosexuality in the country, where it is illegal to be gay in the country and any same-sex sexual activity can be punishable by up to seven years in prison.
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