Sir David Beckham has become Britain's first billionaire sportsman, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. The former England footballer and his wife, Lady Victoria Beckham, have seen their combined fortune soar to £1.185 billion, more than double the £500 million estimated net worth they held in 2025.
Key Drivers of Wealth Increase
The substantial rise in wealth is largely attributed to Sir David's strategic investments in the United States. The signing of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami until 2028 has significantly boosted the value of his stake in the club. Additionally, a major property development adjacent to Inter Miami's home stadium has provided another financial windfall. Meanwhile, revenues from Lady Beckham's eponymous fashion line have surpassed £100 million.
The Beckhams' financial success comes in the same year Sir David received his knighthood. However, the family has faced personal challenges, including a highly publicised estrangement from their eldest son, Brooklyn.
Broader Rich List Trends
The Sunday Times Rich List reveals that the UK now has 157 billionaires, one more than last year. However, this figure is 20 fewer than four years ago, reflecting shifting economic conditions.
Newcomers to the List
Oasis stars Liam and Noel Gallagher are among the newcomers, thanks to their highly successful reunion tour last year. The brothers have an estimated joint wealth of £375 million from 41 shows performed between July and November. However, the tour sparked controversy when standard ticket prices for UK and Ireland dates jumped from £148 to £355, prompting government and regulatory scrutiny of dynamic pricing.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is currently working on a documentary about the reunion concerts, which will be screened in cinemas and on Disney+.
Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis and her family also debut on the list with an estimated wealth of £400 million. Her father, Sir Michael Eavis, hosted the first Glastonbury festival at Worthy Farm in 1970; the business is now partly owned by family trusts.
Top of the List
The billionaire Hinduja family tops the annual list for the fourth consecutive year, following the death of patriarch Gopichand Hinduja last year. His children Sanjay and Dheeraj Hinduja, along with their family, now hold the top spot with an estimated wealth of £38 billion, up from £35.3 billion in 2025.
Other Notable Names
Musicians Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Sir Brian May; theatre impresario Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber; author JK Rowling; make-up entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury; and racing driver Sir Lewis Hamilton are among the household names featured in the annual survey. King Charles III also appears with an estimated wealth of £680 million.
40 Under 40
Boxer Tyson Fury debuts in this year's 40 under 40 list with an estimated wealth of £162 million. He is surpassed by musicians Ed Sheeran (£410 million), Harry Styles (£235 million), and Adele (£172 million). Pop star Dua Lipa also makes the list with £150 million, while Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe just secures the 39th spot with £103 million.
