Lilian Ugwu
Former football star David Beckham has officially become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List for 2026.
The new ranking shows that Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, now share an estimated combined wealth of £1.185 billion, equivalent to about $1.583 billion. The figure places the couple among the highest-earning sports-linked personalities in the United Kingdom and marks a major financial milestone years after Beckham retired from professional football.
Beckham, who ended his playing career in 2013, has continued to grow his wealth through business ventures, endorsements, and sports ownership. One of his most significant investments is his stake in a football club based in the United States, which has grown into one of the most valuable teams in Major League Soccer, now estimated at over £1 billion in value.
Alongside his ownership role, Beckham has remained a global brand ambassador for several major international companies, including sportswear and luxury fashion brands. These long-standing partnerships have contributed significantly to his continued earnings since leaving professional football.
During his playing career, Beckham enjoyed success at the highest level of football. He won multiple league titles and lifted the Champions League trophy during his time at Manchester United. He also played for several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and later moved to the United States, where he helped raise the profile of football in North America.
His wife, Victoria Beckham, also plays a major role in their combined financial status. She built her own successful fashion brand after initially rising to fame as a member of a globally popular music group in the 1990s. Her fashion label has become a recognised name in the luxury clothing industry, contributing heavily to the family’s overall wealth.
The Rich List also highlights other major sporting figures who have built significant fortunes through careers in football, boxing, golf, tennis, and Formula One.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton is ranked fifth among Britain’s richest sports personalities, with an estimated fortune of £435 million. Hamilton’s wealth has been driven by racing contracts, endorsements, and business investments beyond motorsport.
Professional golfer Rory McIlroy is placed seventh on the list, with an estimated net worth of £325 million. His earnings have been accumulated through tournament winnings and endorsement deals with global sports and lifestyle brands.
British heavyweight boxing stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury also feature prominently. Joshua is ranked eighth with an estimated fortune of £240 million, while Fury follows closely in ninth place with around £162 million.
In football, England captain Harry Kane is included in the top rankings with an estimated wealth of £110 million, sharing tenth place with retired tennis champion Andy Murray, who also holds a fortune of around £110 million.
The list also includes several prominent figures connected to sports business and promotion. Among them are boxing and sports promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn, who have both entered the billionaire category with a combined estimated fortune of £1.035 billion. Barry Hearn is known for founding a major sports promotion company that has grown into one of the most influential organisations in boxing, darts, and snooker, while his son Eddie Hearn currently serves as chairman.
Elsewhere on the Rich List, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe saw a decline in his overall ranking. His fortune reportedly fell by £1.85 billion, bringing his estimated wealth to £15.194 billion.
According to the compilers of the list, the valuation of his petrochemicals company also dropped significantly due to financial pressures, including rising debt levels, reduced revenue performance, and reported losses of more than £500 million.
The Sunday Times Rich List continues to track the wealth of individuals across various industries, including sport, entertainment, and business, with this year’s edition highlighting a notable rise in sports-related fortunes across the United Kingdom.