Football legend and former Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, continues to wait for his knighthood as fellow England star Sir David Beckham receives his from King Charles. This event has sparked a conversation about the honours system within football and its perceived inconsistencies.
Sir David Beckham recently received his knighthood from King Charles, an honour that is considered one of the most prestigious in Britain. As a former Manchester United star and now owner of Inter Miami, Beckham became the first footballer since Kenny Dalglish to receive this honour back in 2018. His name was once again highlighted when he joined ex-England boss Gareth Southgate on the 2025 list.
Lineker's reaction to fellow players' honours
As these events unfolded, it is likely that Gary Lineker watched on with a sense of envy. Despite being awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2019 for his contributions to football and charity work, he has yet to receive a knighthood from the Royal family.
Lineker previously expressed dissatisfaction with how honours are distributed within football after Premier League legend Ian Wright received an OBE in 2023.
Gary Linker, Premier League legend, said:
"Congratulations @IanWright0 on your thoroughly deserved OBE. Sometimes the honours system gets it right."
This statement suggests that while he acknowledges deserving recipients like Wright, there may be some frustration over what appears as inconsistency or bias within this system.
Footballers with knighthoods
To date, only 30 former footballers have been awarded a knighthood; among them are notable names such as Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Charlton and Alex Ferguson. This exclusive club represents those who have made significant contributions not only to football but also to society at large.
As the debate over the honours system continues, Gary Lineker remains on standby for his knighthood. His contributions to football and charity work are undeniable, and many fans believe it's only a matter of time before he joins the ranks of Sir David Beckham and others in this exclusive club.
The honours system is a complex one, with many factors considered when deciding who should be recognised. While some may question its fairness or consistency, it remains an integral part of recognising significant contributions within football and beyond.
