Former England captain David Beckham has missed out on a knighthood in the latest New Year's honours list.

Beckham was widely tipped to be made a 'Sir' after following up a successful playing career with substantial charity work for Unicef and helping London to get the 2012 Olympic Games through ambassadorial work.

However, despite some bookmakers recently suspending betting on the 38-year-old being awarded the honour, he was allegedly overlooked due to the number of sports stars that have been knighted in recent years.

"There was a view it wouldn't do Beckham any harm to wait a bit longer," a source told the Daily Star.

Beckham, who was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to football, is currently planning to begin his own MLS franchise in Miami.