David Beckham makes history as UK’s first billionaire athlete
Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
The publication revealed that David and his wife, fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girls star Victoria Beckham, now have a combined estimated total of £1.185 billion ($1.583 billion), marking a historic financial milestone for the football icon.
The Beckhams now rank second among the wealthiest figures in British sport, behind only the family of former Formula One chief executive, Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is estimated to be £2 billion.
Beckham’s post-football business empire has played a major role in his rise to billionaire status. The former midfielder is co-owner of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, currently valued at around £1.7 billion and regarded as the league’s most valuable club.
Read Also: Sports lawyer explains how clubs, academies lose millions in player transfers
Joining Beckham on the Rich List, is seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, who is fifth on the list, having built a fortune the Rich List calculated at £435 million.
Reigning Masters golf champion Rory McIlroy is seventh with a £325 million valuation.
Boxer Anthony Joshua is placed at eighth with a fortune of £240 million, one place above his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who is ninth on £162 million.
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane and retired former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray are joint 10th with £110 million each.
