David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood for services to sport and charity, but the former Manchester United star's wealth is dwarfed by one of his ex-team-mates
David and Victoria Beckham
Manchester United legend Sir David Beckham was supported by his wife Victoria as he received a knighthood
View 4 Images
Manchester United icon Sir David Beckham will be celebrating his recent knighthood. The football legend was included in King Charles' Birthday Honours list back in June.
The honour was bestowed upon Beckham for his contributions to sport and charity. On Tuesday, he was supported at Windsor Castle by his wife Victoria, who has agreed to change her name following the honour.
The 50-year-old had a remarkable career at Old Trafford. He emerged from the renowned Class of '92, making 394 appearances for United, clinching six Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League, among other major honours.
Beckham's successful football career and various other ventures have allowed the former England captain to accumulate considerable wealth. However, his fortune pales in comparison to one of his ex-team-mates.
David Beckham's net worth overshadowed
According to The Sunday Times Rich List, David and Victoria Beckham have a combined net worth of £500million. However, former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, who played alongside Beckham during his two loan spells at AC Milan, is reportedly worth 20 times more than the England legend.
While Beckham has amassed substantial sums through various sponsorships and business ventures, Flamini took a different path. In 2008, while still an active footballer, the Frenchman co-founded GFBiochemicals.
David Beckham and Mathieu Flamini
David Beckham and Mathieu Flamini crossed paths numerous times during their football careers(Image: Chris Williams/Icon SMI/Icon Sport Media via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
The firm has gained recognition for producing levulinic acid, which the Daily Mail reports can cut CO2 emissions by as much as 80 per cent during the manufacture of specific products.
The Sun claims that through the business's development of alternatives to fossil fuel-based materials, GFBiochemicals chief executive Flamini boasts a staggering £10billion fortune. He recently met King Charles himself following his involvement with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, but on Tuesday it was Becks' turn.
Victoria Beckham agrees to name change
Victoria Beckham has agreed to adopt a new title after her husband David was awarded his knighthood. The former Spice Girl had previously expressed her joy on social media regarding her partner's honour.
"You've always been my knight in shining armour, but now it's official. Sir David Beckham!" she posted in June. "What an honour, I couldn't be prouder of you. Your dedication to the things that matter most - your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family - has never wavered.
David and Victoria Beckham
Lady Victoria Beckham supported David as he received his knighthood
View 4 Images
"The way you've touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us every day. But above all else, I'm so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much."
Following David's knighthood, Victoria has chosen to embrace the name change. She will now be known as Lady Beckham, the title bestowed upon the wife of a 'Sir'. The designation is voluntary, which Victoria has opted to embrace.
Man Utd legend shocks former team-mates
Brian McClair has revealed how his dramatically altered appearance in recent years caused shock among several United icons. McClair secured four Premier League titles with United throughout his 11-year stint as a player, subsequently becoming director of the club's youth academy following his retirement.
McClair's connections to the club stretch across decades through his contributions both on and off the field. Nevertheless, the 61-year-old's lengthy white hair and beard left United legends Dimitar Berbatov and Louis Saha astounded during a charity match between United and Celtic.
"I was going between each dressing room and just listening to people chatting. It was nice to see ex-United kit man Albert Morgan, who was telling me what was happening with them. It was good to see people I shared rooms with as well," McClair, who hosts the Life with Brian podcast, explained.
Brian McClair
Brian McClair has changed his appearance in recent years
View 4 Images
"I had all the Celtic kit on and saw Louis Saha. He just looked up and said, 'F****** hell, I didn't recognise you.' I said that was me tidied up and making an effort."
McClair, who presents his Life with Brian podcast, explained. "Then I was outside and Berbatov was there and I said, 'Hello, you all right?'
"He just looked at me kind of strangely but then I went back in again and he came over. He said, 'I'm sorry, I didn't recognise you, I thought it might have been you but thought no, no, it couldn't possibly be you.' It was nice to be recognised anyway even under this cunning disguise."
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.