Former England captain David Beckham has become the first British athlete to reach billionaire status in the The Sunday Times Rich List 2026.
According to the compilers of the list, the combined wealth of Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, has reached £1.185 billion.
This places them second among sports figures, behind the family of former Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is estimated at £2 billion.
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy ranks seventh with £325 million after the 37-year-old won the Masters Tournament for the second consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has dropped from seventh to ninth place in the overall UK rankings after his wealth declined by £1.85 billion, falling to £15.194 billion.
Beckham, the former Manchester United midfielder, is now co-owner of Inter Miami CF, which is considered the most valuable team in Major League Soccer with a valuation of $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion).
The 51-year-old, who received the title “Sir” in November, is also an ambassador for major brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss.
Victoria Beckham’s fortune has largely been built through her fashion brand, after previously rising to fame as a member of the Spice Girls.
Promoters Barry Hearn and Eddie Hearn have also joined Britain’s billionaire club, with their combined wealth estimated at £1.035 billion.
Barry Hearn is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, one of the leading companies in boxing, darts, and snooker promotion.
His son, Eddie Hearn, is chairman of Matchroom and promoter of British boxer Anthony Joshua, who ranks as the eighth-richest athlete on the list with £240 million — one place above his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who has £162 million.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton ranks fifth with £435 million, while England captain Harry Kane and two-time Wimbledon Championships champion Andy Murray share tenth place with £110 million each.
