Sir David Beckham, the former star of Manchester United, has made history by becoming Britain’s first billionaire athlete, as reported in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of the club, has seen a decline in his wealth over the past year.
This year, the combined wealth of Beckham and his wife Victoria surpassed the billion-pound mark, reaching £1.185 billion ($1.6 billion) according to the list’s auditors.
The couple ranks second among the richest athletes, trailing behind the family of former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone, whose fortune is estimated at £2 billion.
Beckham, who once captained the England national team, co-owns Inter Miami, which is believed to be the most valuable club in Major League Soccer, worth around $1.45 billion (£1.07 billion).
He has also earned considerable income as a brand ambassador for brands such as Adidas and Hugo Boss.
Victoria Beckham’s wealth primarily stems from her fashion line, which she created after rising to fame as a member of the Spice Girls.
While the Beckhams have increased their wealth over the last year, Ratcliffe’s financial standing has slipped from seventh to ninth in the overall Rich List.
His fortune has decreased by £1.85 billion, now totaling £15.194 billion, due to a reduced valuation of his petrochemical company, Ineos, which is now valued at £17 billion, attributed to “rising debt, declining revenues, and a loss of £515.7 million.”
This year’s decrease is less severe than the previous year, which saw a drop of over £6 billion.
Joining Beckham in the wealthiest sportspeople category are promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn, whose combined wealth is estimated at £1.035 billion.
Barry Hearn is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, a leading promoter in boxing, darts, and snooker, while his son Eddie serves as chairman and is prominently recognized as the face of its boxing division.
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Eddie Hearn promotes British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, who ranks eighth with a fortune of £240 million, ahead of Tyson Fury at £162 million in ninth place.
Last month, Hearn announced that Joshua had signed a deal to fight Fury, although the date and venue have yet to be confirmed.
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Sir Lewis Hamilton ranks fifth on the list with £435 million, while back-to-back Masters golf champion Rory McIlroy follows in seventh with £325 million.
England’s football captain Harry Kane and two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy Murray share the tenth spot, each with a fortune of £110 million.