(David Beckham. Photo by Punch News)
Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has made history by becoming Britain’s first sportsman to attain billionaire status, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
Beckham and his wife Victoria have a combined estimated wealth of £1.185 billion (approximately $1.583 billion), placing them second among the United Kingdom’s wealthiest sportspeople, behind the family of former Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is valued at £2 billion.
The 51-year-old retired from professional football in 2013 and has since built his wealth through co-ownership of Inter Miami, currently regarded as Major League Soccer’s most valuable club at an estimated £1.07 billion, as well as lucrative brand ambassador partnerships with global companies including Adidas and Hugo Boss.
During his playing career, Beckham captained England and won both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United, before going on to represent Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Victoria Beckham, meanwhile, has amassed her share of the fortune primarily through her fashion label, having first risen to fame as a member of the iconic pop group The Spice Girls.
Elsewhere on the Rich List, seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton comes in fifth place with an estimated fortune of £435 million, while reigning Masters golf champion Rory McIlroy is seventh at £325 million.
Boxer Anthony Joshua ranks eighth with £240 million, just ahead of his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury in ninth place at £162 million.
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane and retired tennis great Andy Murray are tied in tenth place, each valued at £110 million.
On the business side of sport, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has slipped down the overall Rich List after his wealth fell by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion, with the decline attributed to rising debt, falling revenues, and significant losses recorded by his petrochemicals company INEOS.
Boxing and sports promotion figures Barry and Eddie Hearn have also entered Britain’s billionaire club, with their combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion.
Barry founded Matchroom Sport, one of the leading promoters across boxing, darts, and snooker, while his son Eddie serves as chairman of the organisation.
