The King's Birthday Honours have been announced, and the likes of Post Office campaigner Alan Bates and cyclist Mark Cavendish were knighted, and actor Imelda Staunton and artist Tracey Emin received damehoods.

But, once again, former England football captain David Beckham was overlooked for a knighthood.

Talk of David finally being recognised has been in the news recently after music legend Sir Rod Stewart joked the star's knighthood was "coming soon".

The Maggie May hitmaker - who received a knighthood in 2016 - was at the inaugural King's Foundation awards ceremony in London, with his wife, Penny Lancaster, last week when he cracked a joke at the ex-Manchester United star's expense during a speech.

He said: "Penny and I are so honoured to be ambassadors for the King's trust. I'm also wonderfully honoured to be a knight. David, yours is coming soon."

But is it?

Related Reads:

• Land-Based Casinos - Find Your Next Destination!
• New Advertising Slogans Called for By Gambling Charity Ahead of Euro 2024

Beckham's 2025 Goal

While David didn't catch the King's eye for a knighthood in this year's New Year's or Birthday Honours Lists, the pair appeared to have lovely little chat at the King's Foundation event about England's recent shock 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland.

His Majesty said: "It was very bad luck, I must say, David."

Ex-Three Lions skipper David replied: "It doesn’t really matter, does it?" And the King replied: "It was a warming up session."

Their conversation could've even been a warming up session before Charles presents David with a knighthood next year.

The star will have to wait until at least early 2025 and the New Year's Honours List for a knighthood now.

While he was overlooked by Charles' late mother, Queen Elizabeth, during her reign, his chances may have increased since the King ascended the throne.

Earlier this month, David was announced as an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, and he shared a picture on Instagram of himself and His Majesty laughing together when he visited Highgrove Gardens.

Beckham admitted the pair "shared beekeeping tips." (Image: David Beckham's Instagram)

He wrote in the caption: "I'm honoured to become an Ambassador for The King's Foundation. It was inspiring to hear from His Majesty about the Foundation’s projects and ambitions during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens."

David and the King clearly get on well, which surely increases his chances of being knighted sooner rather than later, and he is just 6/4 to receive a knighthood in 2025, which could come in the new year or in Charles' June 2025 Birthday Honours, and 2/1 to receive such a prestigious honour in 2026.

Prolific Fundraiser

The ex-footballer has done plenty for the beautiful game, especially in the UK and US - where he co-owns Inter Miami - and he is also a prolific charity fundraiser.

David was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to football, but is yet to follow in the footsteps of fellow Manchester United legends Sir Alex Ferguson - his manager during his time at the Red Devils - and the late, great Sir Bobby Charlton in receiving a knighthood.

But there have previously been strong rumours that he was close, so perhaps if 2025 and 2026 aren't his years, then 2027 (3/1) could well be.

In December 2021, it was reported that David had been "formally nominated" for a knighthood and moved to the official recommendations list for June 2022 - only to be snubbed once again.

If Charles doesn't oblige in the next few years, then David may have to wait until fellow football fan Prince William - who is a big supporter of Premier League giants Aston Villa - ascends the throne, which would make a 2028 Or Later selection a runner at 5/1.

Knighthood Controversies

However, it's not a foregone conclusion that the former Three Lions skipper - whose incredible free-kick against Greece in 2002 ensured England qualified for the World Cup - will ever become Sir David Beckham.

There has been some past controversy surrounding David's knighthood chances.

In 2013, he was embroiled in the Ingenious tax-avoidance scheme and was barred from being recognised for a knighthood.

However, his status was eventually changed from red to green in 2021, but the Sir still didn't come.

There was another controversy in 2017 when some of David's private emails, which he had reportedly sent to his then-advisers, were leaked.

In the messages, the UNICEF charity ambassador allegedly called the Honours Committee "unappreciative c***s", and said it was a "disgrace" he hadn't been knighted.

The leak appeared to be a huge blow to his knighthood chances, and could perhaps still be playing a part in why he has been overlooked.  

While never is a long time, David is 10/1 to see out his days without a knighthood, but that seems unlikely.

Despite his past controversies, David has ploughed on with his charity work, waited 13 hours in line to pay his respects to the Queen lying in state in 2022, and he continues to grow the beautiful game globally.

It's surely only a matter of time before one of England's most capped players receives one of his most desired accolades.