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Which Footballers Have Received Knighthoods?

Football Legends Who’ve Been Knighted.
Which Footballers Have Received Knighthoods?

Football may be the beautiful game, but for a select few, it also comes with a sword tap on each shoulder and the ultimate British honour, a knighthood.

Yes, beyond lifting trophies and scoring screamers, some football legends have ended up with “Sir” in front of their names. And now, it’s David Beckham’s turn. Cue the national anthem and a thousand slow-mo replays of that free-kick against Greece.



Soon, Becks will become the 16th male footballer to be knighted, nearly 22 years after receiving an OBE in 2003. It’s a massive milestone for a player who went from right-wing wizard to global brand, fashion icon, and owner of Inter Miami. But he’s not the first and certainly not the only icon to earn a nod from the palace.


So, how many football stars hold a knighthood? Let’s dig in.


Football Managers That Have Been Knighted

It’s not just about goals and assists; tactical masterminds have also earned their place in the history books (and the royal honours list).


Sir Alex celebrating with Roy Keane - [GIF]

Sir Alex Ferguson leads the charge. Knighted in 1999, just months after guiding Manchester United to that unforgettable treble, to many, Fergie remains the benchmark for managerial greatness.

His 26-year reign at Old Trafford saw 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League triumphs, and roughly a million epic press conference moments.


Sir Matt Busby celebrates with his Man Utd side after winning the European Cup [Now called UCL] - GIF

Then there’s Sir Matt Busby, who was knighted in 1968 after leading United to their first European Cup win. Coming back from the tragedy of the 1958 Munich air disaster, Busby rebuilt the team with grit and grace, his knighthood was as much for resilience as it was for silverware.

Sir Alf Ramsey, who gave England their one and only World Cup in 1966, was knighted in 1967. And more recently, Sir Gareth Southgate, yes, waistcoat wonder himself, joined the elite club, knighted in 2022 after leading England to the Euro 2020 final and restoring national pride with calm, classy leadership.



Let’s not forget Sir Walter Winterbottom, England’s first official manager, and Sir Bobby Robson, the man who led England to the 1990 World Cup semi-final and touched hearts across Europe with his managerial stints in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.


  • Sir Alex Ferguson

  • Sir Matt Busby

  • Sir Alf Ramsey

  • Sir Alf Ramsey

  • Sir Bobby Robson

  • Sir Walter Winterbottom

  • Sir Kenny Dalglish

  • Sir Gareth Southgate


Sir Kenny Dalglish was also knighted in 2018.

Footballers Who Have Been Knighted

While managers have often grabbed the headlines (and the honours), it’s the players, those who dazzle on the pitch, who truly ignite the passion. A select few have gone from legends to knights, recognised not just for goals and glory, but for defining what football means to millions.

Here’s the elite crew of players who’ve been knighted:

  • Sir Bobby Charlton – Knighted in 1994, Manchester United icon and 1966 World Cup winner.

  • Sir Geoff Hurst – Knighted in 1998, still the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.

  • Sir Stanley Matthews – Knighted in 1965, the first professional footballer ever to receive the honour.

  • Sir Tom Finney – Knighted in 1998, known as the “Preston Plumber,” a symbol of humility and skill.

  • Sir Trevor Brooking – Knighted in 2004, West Ham legend and long-serving FA figure.

  • Sir Kenny Dalglish – Knighted in 2018, Liverpool and Scotland great, honoured for his football and charity work.

  • Sir Hubert Ashton – Though primarily known for cricket, he made professional football appearances in the early 20th century.

  • Sir Charles Clegg – 19th-century player turned FA chairman, knighted for services to the sport.

  • Lord Ian Botham – A cricketing knight who sneaks onto this list thanks to his appearances for Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United.

  • Sir David Beckham - [To be Knighted on the 14th of June 2025]

We mentioned these above as managers, but they also had a football career:

  • Sir Alex Ferguson

  • Sir Matt Busby

  • Sir Alf Ramsey

  • Sir Bobby Robson

  • Sir Walter Winterbottom

  • Sir Gareth Southgate


Not Just Players: Dual Careers & Exceptions

Now, here's where it gets fun. Not every footballing “Sir” made their name entirely on the pitch. Enter Lord Ian Botham, yes, that Ian Botham, a cricketing legend with a cheeky side-career in football.

He played for Yeovil Town and Scunthorpe United and was knighted in 2007, primarily for services to cricket. A total sporting anomaly? Maybe. But he makes the list.



Another twist in the tale: Sir Charles Clegg, who was knighted in the 1920s. While better known for his role as a football administrator and FA chairman, Clegg made league appearances in the 19th century, which technically qualifies him for this roll call.

And then we have Sir Hubert Ashton, a name few football fans may recognise. While primarily a cricketer, Ashton also made league appearances in the early 1900s, earning his spot in this rarefied club.


I knight thee - [GIF]


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