David Beckham becomes first British billionaire sportsman

David Beckham has added another landmark achievement to his post-playing career after becoming Britain's first billionaire sportsman, according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.

The former England captain and his wife, Victoria Beckham, now possess an estimated combined fortune of £1.185 billion ($1.583 billion), highlighting the remarkable expansion of the Beckham brand beyond football.

While Beckham built his reputation on the pitch, his financial rise has increasingly been driven by business ventures, brand partnerships and strategic investments since retiring from professional football in 2013.

From football icon to business powerhouse

Beckham's playing career delivered trophies and global fame, but his post-retirement decisions have significantly reshaped his financial profile.

A major contributor has been his ownership stake in Inter Miami CF, which has grown into one of the most valuable franchises in Major League Soccer.

The club's rapid rise in value reflects both commercial expansion and global attention surrounding the project.

Alongside football ownership, Beckham maintains long-term commercial relationships with major global brands and has built a business portfolio extending into fashion, media and lifestyle ventures.

Career success laid the foundation

Before establishing his business empire, Beckham enjoyed one of football's most recognizable careers.

He won multiple major honours during his time at Manchester United, including league titles and the UEFA Champions League, before continuing his career with top clubs across Europe and the United States.

His football journey also included spells at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham also captained England and became one of the sport's most marketable personalities.

Other sporting names on the rich list

Several high-profile sports figures also featured prominently in the latest rankings.

Lewis Hamilton remains among Britain's wealthiest athletes, while golf star Rory McIlroy and heavyweight boxers Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury continue to feature strongly.

Meanwhile, boxing promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn also joined the billionaire ranks, underlining the growing commercial power of sports-related enterprises.

For Beckham, however, the milestone adds a new dimension to an already decorated career, moving from football legend to financial trailblazer.

SportsLigue