'I found David Beckham's wallet on the street and he asked about the money inside'

David Beckham has received a knighthood following years of unsuccessful attempts, but it appears even knights can be forgetful. This became evident after the Manchester United icon once lost his wallet and nearly found himself being held to ransom as a consequence.

Beckham, 50, and his wife Victoria attended Windsor Castle on Tuesday as the former footballer was bestowed one of Britain's most prestigious honours. The England legend was acknowledged for his contributions to football and charitable work, finally securing his knighthood after pursuing the accolade for over a decade.

Many would argue the recognition is well-deserved given the influence Beckham has wielded on Britain's behalf over the last 25 years. Nevertheless, Becks once almost found himself obliged to offer a reward of his own simply to retrieve his wallet.

Basketball icon Shaquille O'Neal once discovered Beckham's wallet and couldn't help playing a trick on the football star. It was entirely good-natured, though, given the pair have been friends since Beckham's time with LA Galaxy.

Lakers legend 'Shaq' previously joked he contemplated keeping the cash he found, but had second thoughts upon realising who owned the wallet. Not that one of the NBA's most recognisable figures is short of a bob or two.

"I was walking one day in Beverly Hills and I found a wallet," O'Neal revealed on The Late Late Show with James Corden. "Usually when I find wallets, I just take all the money out and I just throw them. But this was a nice wallet."

After discovering Beckham's ID, he chose to have some fun with him by jokingly requesting a substantial sum for its return.

"First I played a joke," the American admitted. "I was like, 'I have your wallet, it's going to cost you a million dollars to get it back.'"

"But he knew it was me. [Beckham said] 'Shaq, stop playing'. I was like 'Dave, I found your wallet'. The funny thing is he said, 'There was some money in this wallet, you know what happened?' And I was like, 'Nope.'"

Shaq, who retired in 2012, is regarded as one of basketball's all-time greats. At an imposing center, he secured four NBA championships: three with the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant, and another with the Miami Heat.

In 2000, he earned the NBA MVP title and featured in 15 All-Star games during an illustrious career that saw him represent the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

Beckham called time on his playing days a year following O'Neal in 2013, after representing elite clubs including United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and PSG. He also earned 115 England caps and served as captain for six years.

Despite currently living in the UK with his wife Victoria, Beckham remains a regular transatlantic traveller due to his ownership role within MLS club Inter Miami.