2026 World Cup: David Beckham pockets a colossal sum thanks to the tournament

The 2026 World Cup wasn't just a sporting success for the participating nations. Off the pitch, David Beckham also made a particularly lucrative deal. The former England football icon reportedly earned nearly £19 million from his numerous advertising contracts and commercial partnerships surrounding the event, according to estimates reported by the Daily Mirror.

This financial performance puts the former Three Lions captain at the top of the list of personalities who have profited most commercially from the World Cup. He is ahead of Colombian singer Shakira, whose earnings from the competition are estimated at around £15 million, and Canadian star Justin Bieber, credited with around £12 million.

Beckham's success can be attributed to his involvement in numerous high-profile promotional campaigns for international brands such as McDonald's, Walkers, and Stella Artois. His influence is even stronger in the United States, where he enjoys significant visibility as a co-owner of Inter Miami, one of the most high-profile clubs in Major League Soccer.

The revenue generated by the former midfielder during the World Cup would even exceed the cumulative bonuses paid to the players of the English national team after their third place in the tournament, illustrating the exceptional commercial weight of his image.

For Nick Ede, a celebrity marketing and image specialist, this success is not surprising. According to him, major companies continue to see David Beckham as a safe bet, capable of offering global visibility thanks to his fame, his strong presence on social media, and a brand image that has remained intact despite his retirement from sports.

Even today, the former Manchester United player remains one of the most influential and profitable figures in world football.