Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has made history as Britain’s first sportsperson to achieve billionaire status, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
Beckham and his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham, are reported to have a combined net worth of £1.185 billion (about $1.583 billion), placing them among the wealthiest sporting-related figures in the United Kingdom.
The 51-year-old, who retired from professional football in 2013, has built a major business portfolio since leaving the game. His wealth is largely driven by his co-ownership stake in Inter Miami CF, currently valued at around £1.07 billion, alongside long-term endorsement deals with global brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss.
During his playing career, Beckham captained England and won major honours with Manchester United, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, before stints at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Victoria Beckham has also contributed significantly to the family fortune through her successful fashion label, following her rise to fame as a member of the Spice Girls.
The Rich List also features several other prominent sports figures. Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is ranked fifth with an estimated £435 million, while golf star Rory McIlroy sits seventh with £325 million.
Heavyweight boxing rivals Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are valued at £240 million and £162 million respectively. England captain Harry Kane and retired tennis champion Andy Murray are jointly placed tenth, each with £110 million.
In the business side of sport, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe reportedly saw a decline in his fortune, now estimated at £15.194 billion, following losses linked to his petrochemicals firm INEOS.
Meanwhile, boxing promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn have also joined the billionaire club, with a combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion, driven by their Matchroom Sport empire spanning boxing, darts, and snooker.