Arise, Sir Beefy as Beckham misses out

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The most famous cricketer and footballer of their generations, who transcended their sports in global appeal, had each been tipped for honours.

Scroll down to read more:

Botham: Legend

Beckham misses out despite speculation he would be honoured not only for his football career but also for a key role in the successful London bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

Beckham, 32, makes his final appearance for championship-chasing Real Madrid this weekend before moving to LA Galaxy in America.

He has also resurrected his England career and is on course to win his 100th cap.

Sportsmen are rarely given knighthoods while playing and Beckham, who received the OBE in 2003, seems certain to be made a knight in the future.

But there would have been an outcry if the honour had been bestowed now.

Earlier this year, his wife Victoria responded in a radio interview to suggestions of a knighthood, saying: "Ooh, I'd love that.

"Can you imagine? That would be fabulous. It's just so camp, it's wonderful isn't it, Lady Victoria.

"I think David's done a lot for charity, he was heavily involved with the Olympic bid and he's given a lot to his country with the football, too, and I think he deserves it but we'll see."

There will be few complaints about the accolade for "Beefy" Botham, whose all-rounder achievements warranted him being made a knight at the end of his playing career in 1993.

He was denied, probably because of lurid tabloid headlines about his private life and a confession he smoked dope on an England tour.

But Botham, 51, could have earned his honour through his charity work alone; 11 walks around Britain and Europe have raised more than £10million for Leukemia Research. His commendation mentions his services to charity and cricket.