Beckham Becomes Britain’s First Billionaire Athlete
Former football star David Beckham has become the first British sportsman to reach billionaire status, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and former Spice Girls member Victoria Beckham, now have a combined estimated fortune of £1.185 billion ($1.58 billion). Their wealth places them second among Britain’s richest figures in sport, behind the family of former Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is estimated at £2 billion.
Since retiring from football in 2013, Beckham has expanded his business empire through sponsorships, investments, and football ownership. He is a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, currently considered the most valuable club in Major League Soccer with an estimated valuation of £1.07 billion. Beckham also earns significant income from endorsement deals with brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss.
During his football career, Beckham captained England and enjoyed major success with Manchester United, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He later played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Victoria Beckham’s contribution to the couple’s fortune mainly comes from her successful fashion business, following her rise to fame with the pop group Spice Girls.
Other athletes featured prominently on the Rich List include seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, ranked fifth with an estimated £435 million fortune, and Masters champion Rory McIlroy, whose wealth is valued at £325 million.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua ranked eighth with £240 million, just ahead of rival Tyson Fury on £162 million. England captain Harry Kane and retired tennis star Andy Murray shared tenth place, each with an estimated £110 million fortune.
Meanwhile, billionaire businessman Jim Ratcliffe saw his wealth decline significantly. The Rich List estimated his fortune fell by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion after a drop in the valuation of his petrochemicals company, INEOS, due to rising debt and falling revenues.
Sports promotion figures Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn also joined Britain’s billionaire ranks this year, with a combined estimated wealth of £1.035 billion through their company Matchroom Sport
