Gary Lineker likely looked on with envy as fellow England icon Sir David Beckham was honoured by King Charles with a knighthood. The ex-Match of the Day presenter has yet to receive the most coveted accolade from the Royal family.

He previously took a swipe at the system's structure after fellow Premier League legend Ian Wright was awarded an OBE in 2023. Wright was handed the honour for his contributions to football and charity work, with Lineker quick to praise his old mate.

He said: "Congratulations @IanWright0 on your thoroughly deserved OBE. Sometimes the honours system gets it right." The cheeky jab grabbed the attention of Lineker's social media fans, who were swift to weigh in on the honours system themselves. One said: "Those that grant them are still very sniffy about football.

"Very few knighthoods given, not even for Greavsie when everyone knew he didn't have long left. Very poor. Compare to cricket with KBEs for Strauss and Cook very quickly after they retired."

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Another wasn't quite so ready to agree, adding: "I agree for those that have done outstanding work for charities etc., but not ex-footballers etc."

Lineker has received an OBE but still remains in the queue for his shot at a knighthood. Just 30 former footballers have been granted the accolade, including Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Charlton and Alex Ferguson.

Former Manchester United ace Beckham, who became the first footballer since Dalglish to receive the honour in 2018, was joined by ex-England manager Gareth Southgate on the 2025 list.

Expressing his joy at receiving such a prestigious accolade, Beckham said: "I couldn't be prouder. People know how patriotic I am - I love my country.

"I've always said how important the monarchy is to my family. I'm lucky enough to have travelled around the world, and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud."

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