Sol Campbell believes his status as an “icon” of English football demands recognition and says he is baffled by being overlooked once more in the new year honours list.
The former England, Arsenal and Tottenham defender became embroiled in a Twitter row on Tuesday after again failing to gain notice despite, he says, winning two Premier League titles and being the first black player to score for England in a World Cup. The 48-year-old is also involved in charity work.
The latest honours list, the first of the king’s reign, included four of the England women’s team – captain Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze – and their head coach, Sarina Wiegman, in recognition of their Euros 2020 triumph.
Campbell told GB News on Wednesday: “When it comes to honours lists, if it comes to a popularity contest, there’s a lot of unpopular people who are Sirs or have OBEs and MBEs. If you look at what I’ve done, and what I’ve gone through playing football and the consistency I’ve hit over the course of two decades, under severe pressure, I’m up there with some of the sporting greats of our country.
“I’m a proud Englishman, I have done a lot of football and work on and off the field for racism.
“I’m up there with all of them. I don’t know why I get overlooked on these kinds of occasions. I’m not the only sporting great that has been overlooked. It would be an honour for me to have a Sir, OBE or MBE for my sport, which I’ve committed to for over two decades.”
Campbell also pointed to his work beyond football. “I ran a charity helping out disadvantaged kids from all over London, helping them kind of go to sporting events.
“I’ve done a hell of a lot for this country. I’ve been an icon. When I go abroad people recognise me for what I’ve done as a footballer. It would be nice if I could have something just saying hey, I’ve been recognised in my own country.”
Campbell said on social media on Tuesday that he would “challenge anyone who says I don’t deserve” to be honoured. “I’ve seen a lot of people get MBEs, OBEs [and] Sir’s for services to sport [and] I will put my name down and reasons why [I should’ve been included].
“First, the 56 [Premier League] games without losing is an [individual] record. Two, invincible Arsenal team 49 games without losing [is] a record. Three, first black player to score in World Cup for England. Four, first black captain to lift a cup at Wembley
“Five, first black English speaking player to score in a Champions League final. Six, I played two decades and over 500 games in the Premier League.
“Seven, I stood up for racism in football here and abroad. Eight, only English player to play in six consecutive tournaments for England. Nine, got into the World Cup best team 1998 and 2002 and one European team [in] 2004, so at one stage I was pound-for-pound the best defender in the world – how many Englishmen can say that?
I’ve seen a lot of people get MBE OBE Sir’s for services to sport I will put my name down reasons why!
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) January 2, 2023
First is the 56 games without losing is a record 2 invincible Arsenal team 49 games without losing a record 3 first black player to score in World Cup Final for England! pic.twitter.com/ekzQ7ejcm0
“I also had a charity called Kids Goes Live which took schoolchildren from underprivileged backgrounds to watch live sporting events! I challenge anyone who says I don’t deserve it? It will be silent out there!”
Campbell’s opinion was supported by his former England teammates Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, who replied: “You get my vote, Sol.”
