David Beckham is one of the wealthiest former footballers in the world, but his net worth is put in the shade by that of a former team-mate who he played alongside at AC Milan
David Beckham might have an eye-watering net-worth, but his wealth is a drop in the ocean compared to the fortune his ex-teammate Mathieu Flamini has raked in since hanging up his boots.
Beckham, 50, is set to be knighted on Tuesday as the Manchester United and England legend will receive the honour in recognition of his contributions to sport and charity.
Golden Balls is one of the most iconic figures in English football and was informed in the summer he will finally be handed a knighthood after years of rumours.
And he will officially become Sir David this week following his inclusion in King Charles’ Birthday Honours list in June.
The former England skipper was one of the most marketable sportsmen on the planet during his playing days. And his knack for snapping up sponsorship deals and other income streams arguably paved the way for Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent leap into billionaire status.
Throughout his career, he pocketed a tidy sum in wages, including the eye-watering amounts from his LA Galaxy contract. He continues to cash in from numerous sponsorship deals, as well as his stake in Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami, reports the Manchester Evening News.
When he signed for the Galaxy in 2007, the footie legend was given the option to buy an expansion team. Inter Miami joined MLS in 2020 and has since gained global recognition through the signing of Lionel Messi, with the club estimated to be worth more than $1billion (£760m).
According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, David and his wife Victoria Beckham have a combined net worth of £500m. However, this sum is modest compared to the wealth that former Arsenal midfielder Flamini has accumulated since co-founding GFBiochemicals.
He spent seven years across two spells with the Gunners, racking up 246 appearances. He also turned out for Marseille, AC Milan, Crystal Palace and Getafe before hanging up his boots in 2019.
While Flamini commanded hefty salaries during his playing career, it’s the biochemical company he launched in 2008 that has catapulted the three-time France international to remarkable riches.
GFBiochemicals has made its name producing levulinic acid, which, according to the Daily Mail, slashes CO2 emissions in manufacturing products like detergents by as much as 80 per cent.
The company creates alternatives to fossil-based materials and has become a pioneer in environmental sustainability. The Sun reveals that GFBiochemicals’ triumph has handed its CEO and co-founder Flamini a fortune worth roughly £10bn.
Flamini’s venture 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.
Taking to 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 marks a dramatic shift from his Arsenal days, where he bagged three FA Cups and featured in the 2006 Champions League final.
However, Flamini has maintained some football ties, launching a supplement venture with former Gunners teammate Mesut Ozil.
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