David Beckham has joined the billionaire club, becoming the first UK sportsperson to reach a ten-figure fortune.
The latest Sunday Times Rich List reports that Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, now have a combined net worth of around £1.185 billion ($1,579,368,047).
Even more striking is the pace of the rise: in just 12 months, the couple’s wealth has surged from roughly £500 million ($666,400,020) to well over a billion.
So where has the jump come from?
A major part of the story is Beckham’s post-playing business strategy, particularly his move into US football via Miami.
His stake in MLS club Inter Miami—an investment that began when he became an owner in 2018—has proved to be one of his most valuable plays since retiring.
Once he secured a headline-grabbing deal to bring Lionel Messi to the club, Inter Miami’s profile—and valuation—shot upwards.
The “Messi Effect” was immediate, turning the team into a global attraction as supporters followed the superstar to his new chapter in the US.
On top of that, a major property development project beside the stadium—reported to be worth about £370 million ($493 million)—has further strengthened the financial picture.
Victoria Beckham has also been a key driver of the couple’s overall success, with her fashion and beauty businesses reportedly surpassing £100 million ($133,280,004) in revenue after years of steady growth.
Meanwhile, Beckham’s long-running commercial partnerships, including major brand deals with Adidas, alongside ventures such as wellness and supplements company IM8 and production outfit Studio 99 (responsible for the popular Netflix documentary), have continued to generate substantial returns.
The milestone places the Beckhams second on the UK’s richest sports figures list, behind former Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and his family, whose wealth is estimated at about £2 billion.
Other high-profile British athletes remain some way back on the same index, with Lewis Hamilton listed at £435 million ($579 million), Rory McIlroy at £325 million ($433 million), and Anthony Joshua at £240 million ($320 million).
All in all, it’s an extraordinary leap—proof that Beckham’s biggest wins may have come after the final whistle.