LONDON, UK: David Beckham has made history as the first billionaire sportsman in the United Kingdom, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. The former England captain’s accumulated wealth, combined with that of his wife Victoria Beckham, has reached an astounding £1.85 billion.
Former England captain Sir David Beckham has become the UK’s first billionaire sportsman in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. 💰
The collective wealth of Beckham and his wife Victoria has reached £1.185bn, according to the compilers of the list. pic.twitter.com/QSPduLczJF
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 15, 2026
The Rich List compilers revealed that the Beckhams’ fortune places them second among the richest sportspeople in the UK, just behind the family of former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth was valued at £2 billion.
Multiple income streams
The former Manchester United midfielder continues to earn handsomely as a brand ambassador for global companies, including Adidas and Hugo Boss. Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham has generated the bulk of her wealth from her successful fashion label, having originally found fame as a member of the pop band Spice Girls.
Inter Miami a billion-dollar asset
Beckham, who hung up his boots in 2013, is currently a co-owner of Major League Soccer’s club Inter Miami, which is now considered the most valuable team in the league at £1.07 billion.
Now 51 years old, David Beckham won six Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid. He also represented Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and LA Galaxy during his illustrious career.
Compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List Rob Watts, analyses Sir David Beckham’s wealth as he becomes the UK’s first billionaire sportsman. He says his foresight into the growth of football in America plays a large part.
📺 Freeview 236, Sky 512, Virgin 604 pic.twitter.com/Oa7TPbpCeF
— GB News (@GBNEWS) May 15, 2026
Other sports stars on the list
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, with a fortune of £325 million, has become the seventh-wealthiest sportsman after the 37-year-old golfer won back-to-back Masters titles.
Meanwhile, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seen a dip in his ranking, slipping to ninth from seventh position overall in the UK, with his fortune decreasing by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion.
Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is fifth on the Rich List with a fortune of £435 million, while former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is placed eighth with £240 million, one place above his rival Tyson Fury, who is ninth with £162 million.
England men’s football captain Harry Kane and retired Wimbledon champion Andy Murray are joint tenth with £110 million each.
