David Beckham becomes Britain’s first billionaire

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

The list compilers said Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham now have an estimated combined fortune of £1.185 billion, or $1.583 billion. That total places them second among the UK’s wealthiest sports-related figures, behind only the family of former Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth was put at £2 billion.

Beckham, who ended his playing career in 2013, has continued to build his business profile through football ownership and commercial partnerships. He is a co-owner of Inter Miami, which was estimated to be Major League Soccer’s most valuable club at £1.07 billion. The 51-year-old also holds high-value brand ambassador agreements with companies including Adidas and Hugo Boss.

During his playing days, Beckham captained England and enjoyed major success with Manchester United, where he won the Premier League and the Champions League. He later played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Victoria Beckham’s contribution to the couple’s wealth has largely come from her fashion business. She first rose to prominence as a member of the pop group The Spice Girls.

Other sports figures on the rich list

Several other leading names from British sport also featured prominently in the rankings. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was placed fifth, with the Rich List estimating his fortune at £435 million.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy ranked seventh with a valuation of £325 million. Boxer Anthony Joshua was eighth on the list with an estimated £240 million, one place ahead of fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury, whose wealth was put at £162 million.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane and retired tennis player Andy Murray were joint 10th, with both valued at £110 million.

Business figures with sporting links

Among business figures connected to sport, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe slipped down the overall Rich List. According to the compilers, his wealth fell by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion.

The list compilers said they reduced the valuation of Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals company INEOS to £17 billion because of

rising debt, falling revenues and a loss of £515.7 million

.

Meanwhile, promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn also entered Britain’s billionaire ranks, with their combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion. Barry Hearn is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, a major promoter in boxing, darts and snooker, while his son Eddie serves as chairman of the organisation.

The latest rankings underline how sporting success, club ownership, endorsements and related business ventures continue to shape the fortunes of some of Britain’s best-known figures in sport and entertainment.

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