David and Victoria Beckham become billionaires amid family breakdown

David Beckham just became the UK's first billionaire sportsman.

The former captain of the England football team, 51, and his wife, Victoria Beckham, 52, hit billionaire status as their combined wealth has hit £1.185 billion ($2.2 billion), according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

David's wealth comes from a number of different sources.

The footballer is a co-owner of the American football club Inter Miami, estimated to be worth $US1.4 billion ($1.9 billion).

He's also a brand ambassador for brands like Adidas and Hugo Boss, which pays extremely well.

Meanwhile, Victoria Beckham first made a pretty penny in The Spice Girls, before creating her own personal fashion and beauty brands, where she made most of her wealth.

The latest ranking puts the family in second place on the list of the richest UK sports-related people.

READ MORE: 'Delta's Eurovision success is the tonic we all need right now'

READ MORE: Hollywood couple reveals pregnancy on Cannes red carpet

READ MORE: 'One word from Pip Edwards will forever change how I get ready'

While Beckham is the first sportsman to hit billionaire status, the couple's wealth puts them second to the family of ex-Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, whose wealth comes in at £2 billion.

The massive milestone for the Beckhams comes after a year of wealth growth in the midst of a family breakdown.

The falling out between David, Victoria and their eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, has dominated headlines over the past year.

Just last week, Victoria inadvertently hit back at Brooklyn's claim that she had "controlled narratives" about him and the family his "whole life" while on Emma Grede's Aspire podcast.

When talking about raising her children in the spotlight, Victoria told Grede her children "had a very different upbringing" from her and husband David Beckham.

"I've always wanted to be the best mum I could be and look after the kids, but I also feel that it's been part of my job to really help them fulfil their full potential and for them to recognise what their sense of purpose is," she said.

"Anything that I could do to support [them], to encourage, and to help ... that's my job as his mum.

"It's never about being pushy or forcing. It's being there to support."

Victoria stayed silent for weeks following Brooklyn's bombshell statement earlier this year, in which he claimed his family constantly mistreated his wife Nicola Peltz-Beckham.

However, she's recently been ramping up her interview and press appearances.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn has stayed silent but has continued missing major family events.

Brooklyn and Nicola both skipped David's milestone 50th celebrations last May.

In the months since there were rumours circulating of a family feud, which Brooklyn confirmed in a blistering six-page statement he released on social media in January.

Brooklyn made several claims about his parents, from allegations of what really happened on his wedding day to claims they controlled him and shared "performative social media posts."

Reports have also emerged that Brooklyn and Nicola have engaged lawyers to tell his parents the only way they will communicate is through them.

Despite the legal letter, David and Victoria have both sent public messages to their son, including social media posts to wish him a happy birthday in March.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.

from Celebrity entertainment news, gossip and photos on 9Honey Celebrity https://ift.tt/BXfc4jV