Former England captain and Manchester United legend David Beckham has officially become the first British sportsman to reach billionaire status, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List, marking another remarkable milestone in his career long after retiring from professional football.
The latest Rich List estimated the combined fortune of Beckham and his wife, fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham at approximately £1.185 billion ($1.58 billion), placing them among the wealthiest celebrity couples in the United Kingdom and elevating Beckham into elite billionaire territory rarely reached by former athletes.
The achievement also moved the Beckhams into second position among the richest figures connected to British sport, trailing only the family of former Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth was reportedly valued at around £2 billion.
Beckham’s financial rise has been driven by a combination of football investments, global commercial endorsements, and strategic business ventures that have continued to grow years after his retirement from football in 2013. One of his biggest successes remains his ownership stake in Inter Miami CF, now considered the most valuable club in Major League Soccer with an estimated valuation of £1.07 billion.
Beyond football ownership, Beckham has built an international commercial empire through high-profile endorsement partnerships with global brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss, deals that continue to generate massive yearly earnings and reinforce his status as one of the world’s most marketable former athletes.
During his illustrious football career, Beckham became one of the most recognisable sports figures on the planet. He captained England national football team and enjoyed huge success at Manchester United F.C., where he won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League before later starring for Real Madrid CF, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
Victoria Beckham also played a major role in the couple’s financial success through her luxury fashion business, which expanded significantly after her global fame with the iconic pop group Spice Girls.
The Rich List also highlighted other wealthy sports stars in Britain. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton ranked fifth with an estimated fortune of £435 million, while Masters champion Rory McIlroy was listed seventh with £325 million.
Heavyweight boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury also featured prominently on the list with estimated fortunes of £240 million and £162 million respectively.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane and retired tennis icon Andy Murray were jointly ranked tenth after both amassed fortunes estimated at £110 million each.
Elsewhere on the Rich List, businessman Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United F.C., saw his wealth decline significantly. His fortune reportedly dropped by £1.85 billion to £15.19 billion following financial struggles linked to petrochemicals giant INEOS, which recorded falling revenues, rising debt levels, and losses exceeding £515 million.
Prominent sports promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn also joined Britain’s billionaire ranks, with their combined fortune estimated at £1.035 billion through the continued success of Matchroom Sport across boxing, darts, and snooker.
(AFP)
