David Beckham’s company paid £10 million salary to 'mystery employee'

A so-called 'mystery' employee at one of David Beckham's many successful business firms was paid a £10 million salary, according to a new report.

DB Ventures, a subsidiary of DRJB Holdings Limited, which is described as a 'full-service global brand management operation', allegedly forked out the eight-figure sum in 2022.

That's according to The Mirror, who claim accounts show the £10 million sum went to the highest-paid director.

In turn, that piece of information narrows it down to three individuals – David Beckham, Jamie Salter and Nick Woodhouse.

When asked to comment on the story, a spokesperson for Beckham said he would not disclose who the highest-paid director was.

The pay-out, meanwhile, was up 384% on the previous year and is said to be five times more than the combined salaries of the other 23 employees of DB Ventures.

The company turnover is believed to have doubled to £72 million in 2022.

According to The Sunday Times' Rich list published in May last year, former England international Beckham and his wife Victoria have an estimated joint net worth of £425 million.

Last year, Authentic Brands Group are said to have splashed out $269 million to become a co-owner of DB Ventures.

In the past, 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.

Image credit: Getty

He memorably decided to take a 70% pay cut to join LA Galaxy, although his move to the Major League Soccer included two clauses that helped him earn $500 million.

And he also negotiated the right to buy an MLS expansion team for $25 million upon retirement, which was a clever play as Major League Soccer continued to grow in stature.

Beckham currently co-owns Florida-based side Inter Miami, which contributes to him being one of the world's richest figures in sport.