After retiring from professional football in 2013, David Beckham swiftly managed to secure an estimated $350 million net worth, which is to be expected when you happen to be a top athlete of all time! But a soccer field is not the only place Beckham shows off his skills, as the talented sportsman is globally looked upon for his inspirational contributions to communities all over the world.
Beckham is known for his skill in the game—his passing skill, crossing ability, and bending free kicks have helped to make him a runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year on two separate occasions. In 2004, he was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players. Beckham also stood at number eight on Forbes’ list of “The World’s Highest Paid Athletes” for 2013. And even though he hung up his cleats that year, Beckham still made the Forbes list of the “Highest Paid Retired Athletes” in 2014, behind basketball legend Michael Jordan and golf icon Arnold Palmer.
Soccer Career
Born in Leytonstone, London, David was destined to play the game, as his parents had always been steadfast supporters of the city’s Manchester United club. Many people don’t know that a young David Beckham playing a mascot for the club’s 1986 match against West Ham would eventually lead to him playing for the club and making history! Beckham was one of the best young talents in his time when he and his teammates, like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, brought home the FA Youth Cup in 1992.
Beckham made his English Premier League debut in 1995 for Manchester United and ever since then, he became a redefining player of the club’s history. Beckham has won as many as 19 major trophies during his 20-year career. During this time, Beckham played for several different teams, including Manchester United (1992-2003), Real Madrid (2003-2007), LA Galaxy (2007-2012), and finally Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2013. Beckham has also been part of England’s national team, before he even turned 18, playing for England U18 in 1992, U21 from 1994 to 1996, and then as a mid-fielder and forward for the team till 2009.
His salaries from the last decade have earned him at least $20 million a year, with a whopping $50 million salary last year. His combined earnings as a soccer player have surpassed the $200 million benchmark.
The “Beckham” Brand
David Beckham marrying former Spice Girls member Victoria (a.k.a. Posh Spice) in 1999 escalated his celebrity status much higher than any other athletes of his time. The “Beckham” brand of David and his family—wife Victoria and their four children—is one of the most prolific in London and have even been compared to the U.K.’s royal family. According to a 2015 report from London’s The Sunday Times, Queen Elizabeth II’s estimated fortune was around £340million (approximately $490 million), while the Beckhams’ net worth combined was closer to $730 million. There’s definitely something to be said for a guy who successfully made his family more financially prominent than the country’s “ruling” family.
Philanthropy and Endorsements
Celebrating his decorated football career, the British legend donated his $5.3 million salary from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 to a charity that helps children. That’s just the start of his charitable efforts. Beckham is also one of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors and has gone to many countries to provide food and healthcare to needy children from unfavorable and isolated areas. Furthermore, Beckham is an advocate against violence and malnutrition among children, and is a proud supporter of various anti-AIDS initiatives.
David Beckham’s commercial endorsements have banked over $42 million over the years. He has endorsed worldwide brands like a 10-year collaboration with Pepsi Co., his own range of football shoes designed by Adidas (especially the Adidas Predator collection), and endorsements for several other top brands, including Armani, H&M, Diet Coke, Burger King, Samsung, Walt Disney Co., EA Sports video games, and Breitling. What’s more, Beckham has expressed an interest in buying a Major League Soccer team sometime soon. He’s also partnered with his long-time adviser Simon Fuller and beverage giant Diageo to promote Haig Club whisky.
Beckham reportedly earned over $75 million in 2014 (his first full year of retirement), marking the highest annual earnings from his career.
In October 2015, the soccer legend was said to be in the initial stages of starting up his own clothing line after signing a five-year partnership with Kent & Curwen, a renowned Hong Kong-owned label. Although it’s still in the early phase, the partnership will undoubtedly add even more to David Beckham’s net worth.
His Affluent Lifestyle
David and Victoria Beckham live in their royal London manor with their kids: sons Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz, and daughter Harper. The estate is worth at least $40 million and is one of the most expensive homes in the country. The Abbotswood Estate is a magnificent countryside property with a chateau that is way bigger than any house, boasting 10 bedrooms, a never-ending stretch of lawns, and almost thirteen buildings in and around the huge acreage. The Dikler river runs through these estates, which is almost 380 football fields big. The couple was also rumored to be eyeing an $11 million manor called Amberley House in the Nailsworth neighborhood in Gloucestershire, England.
When you own such flamboyant abodes, you obviously have to travel around and arrive at them in style. So it’s no wonder that Beckham’s over-the-top car collection has included an Audi RS6, a Bentley Mulsanne, a black Porsche 911 Turbo, a Jeep Wrangler, a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe and Ghost, a custom-made Chevy Camaro, a Bentley Continental, and SUVs by Range Rover and Cadillac. David has also seen riding his customized bike whenever he takes a day off or commutes to pick up his kids.
With a $350 million net worth, David Beckham will undoubtedly keep scoring big by investing even more into his remarkable Beckham empire and developing an even higher stature as a globally influential icon.
Photo: Instagram/davidbeckham
