David Beckham became one of the biggest financial winners of the 2026 World Cup without playing a single minute. According to the outlet El Español, the former English footballer is the figure who earns the most from ads aired during the tournament’s hydration breaks.
The article cites an analysis by Patrick Rishe, director of the Sports Business program at the University of Washington, who estimated that Beckham would earn around $25 million from those campaigns alone. The former player is associated with brands such as Pepsi, McDonald’s, Lay’s, Stella Artois, Home Depot, Bank of America, Verizon and Adidas.
Hydration breaks were intended because of the heat, but they also became highly valuable advertising spaces. In this new scenario, Beckham leverages his global fame and recognizable image to lead the business.
