Sol Campbell claims he deserves knighthood among sporting legends

Sol Campbell, a former England footballer, has publicly stated that he believes he deserves a knighthood due to his significant contributions to the sport and society. He has played 73 times for the national team and participated in five major tournaments, earning a reputation as one of the best centre backs in English football history. Despite his achievements, Campbell feels overlooked in the annual honours list, expressing frustration that his accomplishments are not recognized compared to others who have received knighthoods and other accolades. In an interview with GB News, Campbell highlighted his dedication to football over two decades, emphasizing the pressure he faced and the consistency he maintained throughout his career. He pointed out that many individuals who have received honours may not have the same level of popularity or contributions to the sport. Campbell also mentioned his efforts to combat racism and his pride in representing England, both on and off the field. While only a few British footballers have been knighted, many of Campbell's former teammates have received lesser honours, such as OBEs and MBEs. This disparity has led him to question why he has not been similarly recognized despite his significant contributions to football and society. After retiring in 2011, Campbell explored a career in politics and briefly managed football clubs. However, he has been out of work since leaving Southend United in 2020. His call for recognition reflects a broader conversation about the criteria for receiving honours in the sporting community.