Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has officially become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman after his combined family wealth crossed the £1 billion mark in the latest 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.
The publication estimated the joint fortune of Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, a fashion entrepreneur and former member of the Spice Girls at about £1.185 billion (around $1.6 billion), placing the couple among the most financially successful figures in British sport and entertainment.
The report ranked Beckham and his family as the second-wealthiest sporting household in Britain, behind former Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone and his family, whose wealth was estimated at £2 billion.
Beckham’s financial rise has largely been attributed to long-standing endorsement deals and commercial partnerships with global brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss, alongside his growing investment portfolio.
A major contributor to his wealth is his stake in Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer club he co-owns, which is now valued at approximately $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion).
The Rich List noted that while Beckham’s fortune continued to grow over the past year, some prominent figures in British sport recorded declines in their net worth.
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, for instance, dropped from seventh to ninth position on the overall list after his wealth reportedly fell by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion.
The decline was linked to reduced valuation of his petrochemicals firm, INEOS, which was assessed at £17 billion due to rising debt levels, falling revenues, and reported losses exceeding £515 million.
In the wider sporting wealth rankings, boxing promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn featured prominently, with a combined fortune estimated at £1.035 billion through their Matchroom Sport empire.
In boxing, Anthony Joshua was listed with an estimated wealth of £240 million, ahead of Tyson Fury, who was valued at £162 million.
Formula one legend Lewis Hamilton ranked fifth among sports personalities with an estimated £435 million fortune, while golf star Rory McIlroy placed seventh with about £325 million.
England captain Harry Kane and former tennis champion Andy Murray shared the tenth position, each with an estimated net worth of £110 million.
