List of all UK football figures to receive knighthood, CBEs & OBEs

English football stars sometimes receive big recognition for their contribution to the game.

The British crown occasionally honours football players for their contributions to the sport with CBEs, knighthoods & OBEs. We provide you with all the information you want.

The British monarchy has acknowledged some of the biggest names in football for their contributions to the sport.

There are many more football legends who have been knighted, but Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Sir Kenny Dalglish immediately come to mind.

Although they are of a lesser standing than those of the aforementioned individuals, several football players have been recognised with the CBE, OBE, and MBE awards, among other honours given to individuals.

What are knighthoods?

Knighthoods are honours bestowed upon people by the British monarchy in appreciation of their contributions to or accomplishments in a specific sector.

When someone receives a medal or badge that certifies that they have been bestowed the rank of Knight Grand Cross or Knight Commander (or Dame Grand Cross or Dame Commander for women) of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, they are considered “knighted.”

Less than 20 people have been knighted, making the circle of football figures who have received the honour extremely limited.

David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours list! 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/PyfcAuSH6x

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) June 6, 2025

Person	When?
Trevor Brooking	2004
Matt Busby	1968
Bobby Charlton	1994
Charles Clegg	1927
Kenny Dalglish	2018
Alex Ferguson	1999
Tom Finney	1998
Geoff Hurst	1998
Stanley Matthews	1965
Bert Millichip	1991
Pele*	1997
Alf Ramsey	1967
Dave Richards	2006
Bobby Robson	2002
Stanley Rous	1949
Walter Winterbottom	1978

Football stars to have received CBEs

The greatest honour in the chivalric fraternity is the Knight Grand Cross/Dame Grand Cross (GBE), which is accompanied by Knight Commander/Dame Commander (KBE/DBE). The titles of Sir or Dame may be adopted by those who have been bestowed these honours.

Officer of the Most Distinguished Order of the British Empire (OBE), Member of the Most Brilliant Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) are ranked below GBE and KBE, respectively.

Person	When?
Jimmy Armfield	2010
Craig Brown	1999
Paul Elliott	2012
Ron Greenwood	1981
Roy Hodgson	2021
Denis Law	2016
Hope Powell	2010
Alan Shearer	2016
Jock Stein	1970
Billy Wright	1959

Football figures to have received OBEs

Football players who have been awarded OBEs are far more numerous than those who have been awarded knighthoods and CBEs.

Those who have received the honour include Gary Lineker, Brian Clough, and David Beckham.

Person	When?
Gordon Banks	1970
Brendan Batson	2015
David Beckham	2003
Luther Blissett	2022
Brian Clough	1991
Chris Coleman	2017
Garth Crooks	1999
Jack Charlton	1974
Jermain Defoe	2018
George Eastham	1973
Rio Ferdinand	2022
Ryan Giggs	2007
Jimmy Hill	1995
Gerard Houllier*	2003
Emlyn Hughes	1980
Mark Hughes	2004
Kevin Keegan	1982
Frank Lampard	2015
Gary Lineker	1992
Cliff Lloyd	1975
Nat Lofthouse	1994
Des Lynam	2008
Joe Mercer	1976
Bobby Moore	1967
John Motson	2001
Bill Nicholson	1975
Martin O’Neill	2004
Bob Paisley	1977
Don Revie	1970
Bryan Robson	1990
Bill Shankly	1974
Peter Shilton	1991
Walter Smith	1997
Gareth Southgate	2019
Gordon Strachan	1993
Mike Summerbee	2022
Gordon Taylor	2008
Graham Taylor	2002
Jack Taylor	1975
Geoff Thompson	2007
Tommy Walker	1960
Arsene Wenger*	2003
Bob Wilson	2008
Rachel Yankey	2014
Gianfranco Zola*	2004

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