David Beckham, despite his impressive net worth, finds his wealth overshadowed by that of his former team-mate Mathieu Flamini since his retirement. The two football stars shared the pitch during Beckham’s two loan periods at AC Milan. The ex-England captain was one of the most commercially attractive sportsmen globally during his playing days. His eagerness to capitalise on sponsorship opportunities and other income streams arguably paved the way for Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent rise to billionaire status.
Throughout his illustrious career, Beckham amassed a fortune in wages, including the staggering sums from his LA Galaxy contract. He continues to reap financial benefits from numerous sponsorship deals, as well as his stake in Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.
Upon signing for the Galaxy in 2007, the football icon was offered the chance to purchase an expansion team. Inter Miami joined MLS in 2020 and has since gained worldwide recognition through the signing of Lionel Messi, with the club estimated to be worth more than £760million.
According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, David and his wife Victoria Beckham have a combined net worth of £500m. However, this figure pales in comparison to the wealth that former Arsenal midfielder Flamini has accumulated since co-founding GFBiochemicals.
He spent seven years across two spells with the Gunners, making 246 appearances. He also played for Marseille, AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Getafe before retiring in 2019.
While Flamini commanded impressive salaries during his playing career, it is the biochemical company he founded in 2008 that has catapulted the three-time France international to remarkable riches.
GFBiochemicals specialises in producing levulinic acid, which reduces CO2 emissions in manufacturing processes for items like detergents by as much as 80 per cent.
The company creates substitutes for fossil-based materials and has become a leader in environmental sustainability.
GFBiochemicals’ triumph has given its chief executive and co-founder Flamini an estimated net worth of around £10bn.
Flamini’s business success has led to speaking engagements at Harvard Business School and a recent audience with King Charles III following his membership of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance.
Writing on Instagram, Flamini shared: “Last week, I had the honor of joining the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, where global leaders and Indigenous voices are shaping the future of the bioeconomy. Proud that GFBiochemicals stood alongside visionaries building a sustainable world under the guidance of His Majesty King Charles.”
This represents a dramatic transformation from his Arsenal days, where he won three FA Cups and featured in the 2006 Champions League final.
