David Beckham emerged as the top earner among celebrities during the 2026 World Cup, raking in an estimated 22 million euros from endorsement deals, according to market analysts. While Spain lifted the trophy after defeating Argentina in the final, it was the former England captain who secured the biggest financial victory off the pitch.
English media reports indicate that Beckham's windfall stemmed from partnerships with eleven prominent brands that enlisted him for their campaigns throughout the tournament. These included Adidas, Bank of America, EA Sports, Home Depot, Lay's, Lenovo, McDonald's, Ninja Kitchen, Pepsi, Stella Artois, and Verizon.
Nick Ede, a brand and culture expert, explained the former footballer's enduring appeal to The Sun. "Despite often facing criticism, international brands clearly believe his name, social media presence, and global recognition maintain significant marketing value during events watched by billions. The advertising, coupled with increased visibility, will have further bolstered his brand and worth," Ede stated.
Beckham's influence in the United States, where he co-owns Inter Miami and played for five years with the LA Galaxy, is substantial. The former player attended several matches during the competition, and his eldest son, Brooklyn, also capitalized on the event, earning approximately one million euros from an advertising campaign for DoorDash.