David Beckham Becomes Britain’s First Billionaire Sportsman

David Beckham reached billionaire status in 2026, while Jim Ratcliffe’s fortune fell sharply amid INEOS financial struggles.

Former Manchester United and England captain David Beckham has become Britain’s first billionaire sportsman after his family wealth surpassed the £1bn mark in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List.

The list estimated the combined fortune of Beckham and his wife, fashion designer and former Spice Girls member Victoria Beckham, at £1.185bn ($1.6bn), placing them second among the wealthiest figures in British sport behind former Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and his family, whose wealth stands at £2bn.

Beckham’s growing fortune has been driven by his commercial partnerships with brands including Adidas and Hugo Boss, alongside his stake in Inter Miami CF, now valued at an estimated $1.45bn (£1.07bn).

While Beckham’s wealth increased significantly over the past year, Jim Ratcliffe saw his fortune decline. The Manchester United co-owner dropped from seventh to ninth on the overall Rich List after his wealth fell by £1.85bn to £15.194bn.

According to the list compilers, the value of Ratcliffe’s petrochemicals company INEOS was reduced to £17bn due to rising debt, declining revenues and losses exceeding £515m.

The sports rich list also featured boxing promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn, whose combined fortune was estimated at £1.035bn through their work with Matchroom Sport.

Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua ranked eighth with £240m, ahead of fellow Briton Tyson Fury on £162m. Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton placed fifth with £435m, while golfer Rory McIlroy ranked seventh on £325m.

England captain Harry Kane and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray were joint 10th on the list, each with an estimated fortune of £110m.