David Beckham will reportedly become Sir David Beckham next summer in recognition of his services to charity.
The footballing legend, 46, is thought to have raised around £50m for charitable causes - chiefly for kids charity UNICEF - over more than two decades.
Beckham is also regarded as one of England's finest footballers, having captained the Three Lions and won a plethora of honours at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Los Angeles Galaxy.
The former midfielder was made an OBE in 2003 for his achievements on the pitch but he has been ineligible for an upgrade for the last 10 years due to a tax probe, which has now been resolved in his favour.
According to The Sun, Becks - also instrumental in securing London as the host city for the 2012 Olympics - will now be given a knighthood by The Queen next June as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
"In 2013 David was told the only reason he was overlooked for a knighthood was because of the tax fiasco," a source told the newspaper. "Now it's been cleared up, there is absolutely no reason for him not to be honoured.
"He would obviously be utterly thrilled with a knighthood - but is under no illusions and will only believe it when he sees it."
Another source said: "David has been a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador for the past 18 years, and has worked tirelessly for them.
"This year he fronted their global vaccination programme, and he raises around £5million a year to support them, in addition to the women and children's projects he funds under the umbrella of his 7 Fund.
"Over the years he has probably raised over £50m for Unicef and other charities and also quietly gives about a million a year from his own pocket."
Should Beckham become knighted, his wife will automatically gain a title - enabling her to be known as Lady Victoria Beckham.
Neil Wilkes
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