Beckham Becomes Britain’s First Billionaire Sportsman

Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has officially become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.

The latest rankings revealed that Beckham and his wife, fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham, now have a combined fortune estimated at £1.185 billion.

The achievement places the Beckhams second on the United Kingdom’s list of wealthiest sports figures, behind the family of former Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth is reportedly valued at £2 billion.

Beckham’s rise from football superstar to billionaire businessman has been driven by a combination of sporting investments, endorsements and commercial partnerships. Since retiring from professional football in 2013, the 51-year-old has significantly expanded his portfolio, most notably as co-owner of Inter Miami CF, now regarded as Major League Soccer’s most valuable club, valued at £1.07 billion.

The former England captain has also maintained lucrative ambassadorial deals with global brands, including Adidas and Hugo Boss.

Beckham enjoyed an illustrious playing career, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United before later featuring for Real Madrid CF, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain F.C.

David Beckham with his wife during the former player’s knighthood last year. AFP

Victoria Beckham’s contribution to the family fortune has largely come from her successful fashion business, built after her rise to global fame with the pop group Spice Girls.

The Rich List also highlighted the fortunes of several major sporting figures. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton ranked fifth with an estimated £435 million fortune, while reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy was seventh with £325 million.

Heavyweight boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury also featured prominently, with fortunes estimated at £240 million and £162 million respectively. England striker Harry Kane and retired tennis champion Andy Murray were joint 10th with £110 million each.

Meanwhile, Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Billionaire Sportsman, suffered a major financial decline. According to the Rich List compilers, Ratcliffe’s wealth dropped by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion after the valuation of his petrochemicals company INEOS was reduced due to “rising debt, falling revenues and a loss of £515.7 million”.

Promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn also entered Britain’s billionaire ranks, with their combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion through the success of Matchroom Sport, one of the leading promoters in boxing, darts and snooker.

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.