Sir David Beckham has officially made history, becoming the UK's first billionaire sportsman according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. The former England captain and his wife, Victoria Beckham, now boast a combined wealth of £1.185 billion, a testament to their enduring influence both on and off the pitch.
This milestone places the Beckhams second among sports figures, trailing only the family of ex-Formula 1 magnate Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune sits at £2 billion. For Beckham, now 51, the journey from Manchester United's iconic midfield to billionaire status has been nothing short of legendary. His knighthood in November 2025 capped a career that saw him captain England and later become a savvy businessman.
Much of Beckham's wealth stems from his stake in Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer franchise he co-owns. The club has soared in value, now estimated at $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion), making it the league's most valuable team. Beyond the pitch, Beckham remains a global brand ambassador for heavyweights like Adidas and Hugo Boss, while Victoria's fashion label continues to drive her own fortune.
The list also highlights other standout athletes. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, fresh off a back-to-back Masters victory, ranks seventh with £325 million. Seven-time F1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton holds fifth place at £435 million, while England captain Harry Kane and tennis legend Sir Andy Murray share the tenth spot at £110 million each.
In the world of combat sports, promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn have joined the billionaire club, with a combined wealth of £1.035 billion. Barry, founder of Matchroom Sport, and his son Eddie, who promotes heavyweight star Anthony Joshua, have transformed boxing, darts, and snooker into big business. Joshua himself ranks eighth on the sports list with £240 million, just ahead of rival Tyson Fury at £162 million.
Meanwhile, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has seen his fortune dip by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion, dropping him to ninth overall in the UK rankings. For Beckham, however, the numbers tell a story of resilience and reinvention—proving that life after football can be just as lucrative as the game itself.