David Beckham makes history as new wealth figures revealed

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FT Desk

David Beckham is the first sportsperson in the history of the United Kingdom to accumulate wealth of more than £1 billion ($1.33bn).

The former England captain is one of the most famous football players in history and in his club career he played for some of the biggest clubs around in Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

He won 19 major trophies in his career, and is the only English player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States and France.

Beckham captained England between 2000 and 2005 and played 115 times for his country.

His move from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy in 2007 is credited with helping to raise the profile of soccer in the United States and he is currently a co-owner of Major League Galaxy outfit Inter Miami.

A lot of his wealth comes away from the game, though, thanks to numerous business interests as well as lucrative sponsorships with the likes of Pepsi and Adidas.

He is, of course, married to Victoria Beckham, formerly of the Spice Girls, who is wealthy in her own right, mainly thanks to her fashion brand.

Beckham is the most wealthy sportsperson on the 2026 Sunday Times rich list, though there are people involved in sport who are higher such as the family of former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Manchester United shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

For sports performers, the likes of Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray and Harry Kane are on the list. Hamilton is the richest of those with an accumulated wealth of £425m ($566m).

The first footballer to become a billionaire was Cristiano Ronaldo, thanks to a new contract signed with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

Ronaldo’s wages in Saudi Arabia are tax free, while his new contract is believed to have seen him secure a 15% equity stake in Al-Nassr as well as perks such as private jet access.

The 40-year-old is said to have earned over $550m (€472m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, while his endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Armani and Castrol have added $175m (€150m) to his net worth.

Sir David Beckham

In November, Beckham was honoured with a knighthood for his services to football.

"I couldn't be prouder," he said at the ceremony.

"People know how patriotic I am - I love my country.

"I've always said how important the monarchy is to my family.

"I'm lucky enough to have travelled around the world and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud."

Beckham is the 16th footballer to be knighted...

* Though Lord Ian Botham was knighted for services to cricket, he also made 11 Football League appearances for Scunthorpe United.