David Beckham will reportedly be awarded a knighthood as part of King Charles’ upcoming Birthday Honours. Sources have confirmed to various media outlets that the 50-year-old soccer icon will be bestowed the title of Sir next week. Beckham, who will be joined by his wife Victoria as Lady Beckham, was first nominated for a knighthood in 2011. He has long served as an ambassador for the King’s Foundation and UNICEF, though in 2017, leaked emails allegedly showed him criticizing the honors system. A spokesperson for Beckham dismissed the emails as “hacked” and “doctored.” Originally appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, Beckham went on to earn 115 caps for the England national team, captaining the side 59 times. He is the only English male player to score at three different World Cups. He announced his retirement in 2013. (UPI)
