Rugby league icon Kevin Sinfield has surprisingly missed out on the 2026 New Year’s Honours List despite his monumental efforts raising over £11 million for motor neurone disease charities. Having already been showered with accolades including an MBE, OBE, and a CBE over the past decade, fans were hoping this extraordinary feat might see him knighted next.
But here’s where tradition steps in: under honour rules, titles can’t be upgraded within three years of each other. This means Kevin might have to wait just a bit longer to see if that knighthood could be on the horizon. What a true testament to his years of dedication and fundraising prowess!
While Sinfield waits in the wings, other famous names were celebrated. From sports presenting wizard Gabby Logan to football commentary legend Clive Tyldesley, and marathon queen Paula Radcliffe, the list is filled with incredible contributions to sport and community. Adding to the monumental moment, five England Lionesses, including Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway, are standing tall with honours recognising their brilliance on the football field. They’re joined by their inspiring manager, Sarina Wiegman, receiving an honorary damehood.
With Sinfield showing us the heights of charitable effort and others recognized for sporting excellence, 2026 sees the New Year ushering in plenty of reasons to celebrate greatness in various fields!