When famous retired footballer David Beckham made it onto the Times’ list of billionaires of the year, newspapers all ran the same headline: “For the first time, a footballer has made it onto the rich list.” Many other famous names are on the list alongside Beckham.
According the BBC Sir David Beckham has become the UK’s first billionaire sportsman, and Oasis brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have made it onto the annual Sunday Times Rich List, outside of the UK’s 350 richest individuals and families for the first time. The collective wealth of Sir David and his wife, Lady Beckham, is estimated at £1.2 billion, while the Gallaghers are thought to be worth £375 million. We congratulate him on his inclusion on this important list, but we can’t help but ask: H
ow did David Beckham earn his £1.2 billion fortune? What did he produce and sell? In the last 10 years, Beckham’s only activity has been appearing in advertisements. Most likely, the source of his wealth is these advertisements. Almost all the other people on the list own companies that produce goods.
Anyway, a Turkish proverb says: “The rich man’s wealth tires the poor man’s tongue.” Let’s shut our mouths without tiring them out. That’s best.