David Beckham with Victoria Beckham (Image Via Getty)

Former Manchester United and England icon David Beckham has reached a new milestone off the pitch, becoming Britain’s first billionaire sportsman after his family fortune surged past the £1 billion mark.According to the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List, Beckham and wife Victoria Beckham now have a combined estimated wealth of £1.185 billion ($1.58 billion), making them one of the richest sporting families in the UK.The achievement puts Beckham in a unique place in British sporting history, decades after he first rose to global fame as one of football’s biggest stars. The 51-year-old retired in 2013 but has built an empire that extends far beyond his playing career.From football icon to business powerhouseBeckham’s wealth has grown sharply through his stake in Inter Miami CF, the Major League Soccer side he co-owns. The club is now valued at around £1.07 billion, making it one of the most valuable football franchises in North America.He also remains one of the world’s most recognisable sporting figures, with major endorsement deals through Adidas and Hugo Boss adding millions annually to his fortune.Beckham’s football career included six Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United, followed by high-profile spells at Real Madrid CF, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain F.C..Victoria’s business riseA significant share of the family wealth comes from Victoria Beckham’s luxury fashion business. The former Spice Girls member has transformed her brand into a profitable global label.Among other sports stars on the Rich List, Lewis Hamilton ranked fifth with £435 million, while Rory McIlroy, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury also featured.