Sir David Beckham? Man Utd legend & Inter Miami co-owner told when he will be knighted

Talk of the ex-England captain becoming a knight has raged since his playing days, with the iconic No.7 taking on a number of charitable roles before hanging up his boots. He has rubbed shoulders with royalty down the years, including King Charles and Prince William, but has never been invited to receive the most distinguished of individual honours.

Beckham does have an OBE and is expected to become Sir David at some stage. That may not happen until his commitments at MLS side Inter Miami – where is now working with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi – are reined in.

Ex-royal staff member Paul Burrell, who was once butler to Princess Diana, has told Slingo: “We haven't seen [Beckham knighted] yet because A, he's not old enough and B, he hasn't earned his stripes yet and C, he's still in a very commercial world.

“David Beckham is everywhere. He's sponsoring and commercialising himself. Obviously, this is the end of his career. And once this phase is over, the commercial phase, and he goes back into charitable work because you've seen him with William, you've seen him with the King. He's obviously been fast tracked for a knighthood, but not just yet and they're keeping him just dangling for a while. Because, you know, they're waiting to see what happens.”

Burrell added: “I think he is an excellent ambassador, not only for charitable foundations, but for our country. I think he's shown his worth, and I'm expecting it. Of course it's going to happen. The question is, when. When will the King finally say it's time for David to receive his knighthood?

“I think he has to put some more work into the King's Trust, and I think he'll be seen many more times with the King and William before that honour comes his way. It's a much sought after honour, it's one that's eluded him, but it will come his way, he just has to be more patient. It's on its way. It’s not in the post yet, but it's on its way. His name is on the King’s desk!”

For now, Beckham's priority is delivering on expectations in Florida. He has seen Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, with more history being pursued by Messi and Co as they prepare to enter the MLS Cup play-offs.