David Beckham was well-paid as a footballer, turning out for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in a decorated career.
But the former England captain made even more money and built an empire after several savvy investments in his post-playing life.
Beckham has had endorsement deals with the likes of H&M, Adidas, Pepsi, Maserati, Haig Club Whisky, Konami and EA Sports - as well as a controversial 10-year ambassadorial deal with Qatar which is said to be worth $150 million.According to the Sunday Times Rich list published earlier this year, together Beckham and wife Victoria have an estimated joint net worth of £425 million.
He also rakes in a fortune from image rights and last year Authentic Brands Group are said to have forked out $269 million to become a co-owner of David Beckham Ventures Limited (DBVL).But arguably Beckham's ever business decision was going across the pond and playing in the MLS. The switch to LA Galaxy changed the game and as per Forbes, saw him collect $255m in total earnings with endorsements and revenue shares factored in his stint, which lasted between 2007 and 2012.
Beckham had actually agreed a 70 per cent pay cut but his deal included two unique contract clauses - the most beneficial being him negotiating to have the right to buy an MLS franchise for $25 million when he called it a day.
He would end up doing that by starting up with Inter Miami alongside the Mas brothers in 2018, and eventually secured the dream capture of seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi in the summer.
The club is now believed to be worth $600 million but that figure was given before Messi-mania hit.
These days the average MLS franchise is valued at $582 million, which shows what an incredible move Beckham instigated.
He also has a 10 per cent stake in League Two side Salford City, joining Class of 92 teammates Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs in being involved with the club.
Beckham's first wage was £27.50 at United and he's certainly come a long way since then. His new four-part Netflix series, 'Beckham' charts his meteoric rise to fame and success.
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