Former Manchester United captain David Beckham has reached another landmark off the pitch after becoming the first British sports personality to reach the billionaire wealth mark, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List.
The combined fortune of Beckham and his wife, fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girls star, Victoria Beckham, is now estimated at £1.185 billion, placing the couple among the wealthiest public figures in the United Kingdom.
The new valuation underlines Beckham’s remarkable transformation from football icon into global businessman. Since retiring from professional football, the former England captain has built a commercial empire through sponsorships, investments and football ownership ventures.
A major driver of that growth has been Beckham’s involvement with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer side he co-owns in the United States.
The club’s value has risen sharply in recent years, making it one of the most lucrative franchises in North American football especially following the arrival of Lionel Messi at the club in 2023.
Sport and Business Worlds Continue to Merge
Beckham, who received a knighthood in November of last year, continues to maintain high-profile partnerships with international brands including Adidas and Hugo Boss.
His global appeal has remained strong long after retirement, with his image and business portfolio continuing to expand across fashion, media and sport.
Victoria Beckham’s luxury fashion brand has also contributed significantly to the family’s growing wealth. The former pop star has spent more than a decade building her label into an internationally recognized fashion business, with collections showcased regularly at major fashion events.
Although the Beckhams now lead British sport financially, the wealthiest figure linked to sport in the UK remains former Formula One executive Bernie Ecclestone and his family, whose fortune is reported at around £2 billion.
Elsewhere on the list, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy climbed higher after another successful year on the course. His estimated wealth now stands at £325 million following a period of sustained commercial and sporting success, including another Masters triumph.
British boxing also featured prominently in the rankings. Veteran sports promoter Barry Hearn and his son Eddie Hearn entered the billionaire bracket together with an estimated fortune exceeding £1 billion. Their Matchroom business has become one of the most influential promotional companies in boxing, darts and snooker.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua remains among the country’s richest active athletes, with his wealth estimated at £240 million. Long-time rival Tyson Fury also retained a place among the top earners despite a quieter period in the ring.
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was listed among Britain’s wealthiest sporting figures with an estimated £435 million fortune, strengthened by sponsorship agreements and investments beyond motorsport.
Current England captain Harry Kane and former tennis star Andy Murray were also included among the leading names in British sport financially.
Meanwhile, billionaire businessman Jim Ratcliffe saw his fortune decline significantly over the past year. The INEOS founder and Manchester United co-owner reportedly lost nearly £2 billion, dropping down the overall UK rich rankings despite still holding wealth exceeding £15 billion.
The latest list highlights how modern sporting figures are increasingly generating fortunes far beyond their playing careers, with investments, brand partnerships and ownership deals now proving just as valuable as achievements on the field.
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