Former David Beckham and England captain David Beckham has officially entered Britain’s billionaire circle, becoming the country’s first billionaire sportsman according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
The publication estimated the combined fortune of Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, at £1.185 billion ($1.583 billion), placing the couple among the wealthiest figures in British sport and entertainment.
The Beckhams now rank second on the list of the UK’s richest sports personalities, behind the family of former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth was valued at £2 billion.
David Beckham, who retired from professional football in 2013, has continued to expand his business empire through investments, endorsements and football ownership.
The 51-year-old is a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, currently regarded as the most valuable club in Major League Soccer with an estimated worth of £1.07 billion.
Beyond football, Beckham remains one of the world’s most marketable sports figures, holding ambassadorial partnerships with global brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss.
During his illustrious playing career, Beckham won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United before featuring for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Victoria Beckham’s contribution to the family fortune has largely come from her successful fashion business after rising to global fame as a member of the iconic pop group Spice Girls.
READ ALSO: David Beckham Receives Knighthood From King Charles at Windsor Castle
The Rich List also highlighted several other sporting figures with massive fortunes. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton ranked fifth with an estimated wealth of £435 million, while reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy was placed seventh with £325 million.
Heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua came eighth on the list with a fortune valued at £240 million, just ahead of rival Tyson Fury, whose wealth stands at £162 million.
Meanwhile, Harry Kane and retired tennis legend Andy Murray shared 10th position with estimated fortunes of £110 million each.
Elsewhere, billionaire businessman and Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe saw a significant decline in wealth. The Sunday Times reported that Ratcliffe’s fortune dropped by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion after the valuation of his petrochemicals giant INEOS was reduced amid rising debt, declining revenues and reported financial losses.
Veteran sports promoter Barry Hearn and his son Eddie Hearn also joined Britain’s billionaire ranks, with their combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion through the success of Matchroom Sport.