David Beckham becomes first UK billionaire athlete in 2026

David Beckham has become the first UK sportsman to reach billionaire status in 2026.

Beckham tops the sports wealth chart David Beckham, former England captain and now a co-owner of Inter Miami, has become the United Kingdom's first billionaire athlete according to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. His combined fortune with wife Victoria now stands at £1.185 billion. This places them second overall among sportspeople in the UK, trailing only the family of former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth is listed at £2 billion. Beckham, who was knighted in November 2025, shares his billionaire status with his fashion-designer wife Victoria. ## Inter Miami fuels Beckham's wealth surge Beckham's ownership stake in Inter Miami, estimated at $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion), significantly boosts his net worth. The club is considered Major League Soccer's most valuable franchise. As a brand ambassador for Adidas and Hugo Boss, Beckham continues to generate income from endorsements. His wife Victoria's fashion label has also contributed substantially to their combined wealth. ## Other sports figures in the billionaire circle Promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn have joined the UK's billionaire club with an estimated combined wealth of £1.035 billion. Barry Hearn founded Matchroom Sport, a leading promoter in boxing, darts, and snooker, while his son Eddie serves as chairman and promotes boxer Anthony Joshua. Joshua ranks eighth among sports figures with £240 million, just above rival Tyson Fury at £162 million. ## Top UK sports fortunes in 2026 Sir Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 champion, holds the fifth position with £435 million. England football captain Harry Kane and tennis star Sir Andy Murray are tied for 10th place, each with £110 million. Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy sits in seventh place with £325 million, following his back-to-back Masters victories at age 37. ## Manchester United owner's wealth decline Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, has fallen from seventh to ninth in the overall UK wealth rankings. His fortune has decreased by £1.85 billion to £15.194 billion. Despite this drop, Ratcliffe remains one of the wealthiest figures in UK sports. His wealth is primarily tied to his business ventures outside of football.