Beckham Breaks British Sports Barrier as First Billionaire

A combined wealth of £1.185 billion ($1.6 billion) has propelled former Manchester United star David Beckham into the billionaire club, making him the first British athlete to reach that milestone. The 2026 edition of the Sunday Times Rich List places the Beckhams second among the wealthiest sports figures in the UK, trailing only the family of Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief whose fortune is estimated at around £2 billion.

Beckham, the ex-England captain, holds a stake in Inter Miami, valued as the most expensive club in Major League Soccer at roughly $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion). He has also generated substantial income through endorsement deals with global brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss. Victoria Beckham’s wealth primarily comes from her eponymous fashion house, building on the fame and fortune she earned as a member of the Spice Girls.

Ratcliffe Slips as Hearns Rise

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, saw his position in the overall rich list drop from seventh to ninth, even as the Beckham family’s fortune grew over the past year. Ratcliffe’s net worth shrank by £1.85 billion to settle at £15.194 billion, according to the list’s compilers. Promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn joined Beckham on the list of the richest sports personalities, with their joint wealth estimated at £1.035 billion. Barry Hearn founded and chairs Matchroom Sport, a leading promoter of boxing, darts, and snooker events, while his son Eddie serves as the company’s chairman and is widely recognized as the public face of its boxing division.

Eddie Hearn is the agent and promoter for British heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, who ranked eighth on the list with a fortune of £240 million, surpassing his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who placed ninth with £162 million.

Familiar Names on the List

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton took fifth place with a wealth of £435 million, while Rory McIlroy, a two-time consecutive Masters champion, secured seventh with £325 million. England captain Harry Kane and two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray tied for tenth place, each with a fortune of £110 million.