David Beckham overlooked in New Year's Honours again as leaked emails resurface

David Beckham was snubbed in the New Year's Honours list again even though he reportedly has the "all-clear" to become a Sir.

In the sporting section of the 2024 honours, England women's captain Millie Bright has been given an OBE - with her Lionesses teammates Mary Earps and Lauren Hemp have also been recognised with MBEs.

Cricket legend Stuart Broad has received a CBE, along with ex rugby league players Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield for their fight against motor neurone disease.

However, Beckham was not a recipient of the honour. The 48-year-old is arguably the most famous and influential English footballer of all-time and has an OBE.

Image: Getty

But back in 2017, explosive leaked emails appeared to show Beckham's brutal reaction to not receiving a knighthood despite regularly rubbing shoulders with royalty.

Football Leaks shared emails in which Beckham is alleged to have told his long-time PR man Simon Oliveira that "everything is above board."

The UNICEF charity ambassador was said to be in the frame back in 2014

and allegedly called the system "a f**king joke" and branded the committee "unappreciative c***s".

Image: Getty

It was also claimed that Beckham wrote: "I expected nothing less. It's a disgrace, to be honest, and if I was American, I would of got something like this 10 years ago."

There was then an alleged comment at OBE recipient Katherine Jenkins, which read: "For what? "Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops..."

The 48-year-old's representatives insisted the emails had been "doctored" but Beckham is said to have told friends that he did write others "in the heat of the moment."

Image: Getty

It's believed that Beckham was previously ineligible for a knighthood because of the Ingenious tax avoidance scheme which many celebrities were caught up in more than a decade ago.

While there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on Beckham's part, anyone with financial irregularities are barred from the nomination process.

The issue with HM Revenue and Customs was resolved, meaning there is no known obstacle preventing Beckham from getting a knighthood.

Topics: David Beckham, Manchester United, Premier League

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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