Forbes lists 22 celebrity billionaires in 2026; Spielberg, Swift and Jay-Z lead the ranking
Forbes magazine released the ranking of the richest celebrities in the world in 2026, identifying 22 personalities including athletes and artists with a combined net worth of US$48.1 billion, equivalent to R$241.5 billion. Compared to 2025, the number of names grew from 18 to 22, while the accumulated fortune jumped from US$39 billion (R$195.8 billion) to the current level. Steven Spielberg tops the list with $7.1 billion, followed by George Lucas with $5.2 billion and Michael Jordan with $4.3 billion.
Quatro new entries mark the 2026 edition: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Roger Federer, Dr. Dre and James Cameron have achieved billionaire status. Eles joins already established names such as Oprah Winfrey, Vince McMahon, Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift, which appears in 7th place with US$2 billion in net worth.
Spielberg, Lucas and Jordan at the top of the ranking
Steven Spielberg remains the richest celebrity, accumulating US$7.1 billion (R$35.64 billion). The filmmaker co-founder of DreamWorks and highest-grossing director in history still receives a share of every ticket sold at Universal parks, thanks to hits like Tubarão, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. Seu sci-fi thriller Disclosure Day is scheduled for release in May this year.
George Lucas, creator of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, occupies 2nd position with US$5.2 billion (R$26.1 billion). Sua’s fortune was consolidated after selling Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 for US$4 billion (R$20.08 billion) in cash and shares. Atualmente, Lucas is dedicated to philanthropy and the development of Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, scheduled to open at Los Angeles in 2026.
Michael Jordan completes the podium in 3rd place with US$4.3 billion (R$21.59 billion). Apesar received just US$90 million (R$451.8 million) in NBA salaries, Jordan accumulated more than US$2 billion (R$10.04 billion) before taxes through business partnerships with Nike, Hanes and Gatorade. In 2023, it sold most of its majority stake in Charlotte Hornets in a deal that valued the team at around US$3 billion (R$15.1 billion).
The 22 billionaires on the Forbes 2026 list
- Steven Spielberg: $7.1 billion
- George Lucas: $5.2 billion
- Michael Jordan: $4.3 billion
- Vince McMahon: $3.6 billion
- Oprah Winfrey: $3.2 billion
- Jay-Z: $2.8 billion
- Taylor Swift: $2 billion
- Kim Kardashian: $1.9 billion
- Peter Jackson: $1.9 billion
- Magic Johnson: $1.6 billion
- Tiger Woods: $1.5 billion
- Dick Wolf: $1.5 billion
- Tyler Perry: $1.4 billion
- LeBron James: $1.4 billion
- Bruce Springsteen: $1.2 billion
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: $1.2 billion
- Jerry Seinfeld: $1.1 billion
- Roger Federer: $1.1 billion
- James Cameron: $1.1 billion
- Rihanna: $1 billion
- Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: $1 billion
- Dr. Dre: $1 billion
Novas entries transform celebrity billionaires scene
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter entered the list with US$1 billion (R$5.02 billion) in 21st place. The singer built her fortune over a three-decade career as a solo artist and member of Destiny’s Child. Detentora from the record 35 Grammys, she won her first Álbum from Ano in 2025. In 2023, Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z purchased a US$200 million (R$1 billion) mansion in Malibu, marking the most expensive residential sale in the history of Califórnia.
Dr. Dre, in 22nd place, also has US$1 billion in assets. The rapper and producer co-founded Beats Electronics and Beats Music, which were sold to Apple for around US$3 billion (R$15.1 billion) in cash and shares in 2014. Ele founded the record label Aftermath Entertainment in 1996 and launched the careers of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar.
James Cameron, the new billionaire in 19th place with US$1.1 billion (R$5.52 billion), directed three of the four highest-grossing films in history: Titanic, Avatar and Avatar: Caminho from Água. Quando Avatar grossed almost US$3 billion (R$15.1 billion) at the global box office, in addition to millions from DVDs and streaming, Cameron received an estimated US$350 million (R$1.76 billion) before taxes and fees.
Roger Federer occupies 18th position with US$1.1 billion (R$5.52 billion). The Swiss tennis player won 20 Grand Slam titles before retiring in 2022, building one of the most valuable sponsorship portfolios in the history of the sport. At the height of his career, he earned US$100 million (R$502 million) per year off the court with brands such as Uniqlo, Rolex and Mercedes. Seu’s biggest deal, according to Forbes, was a 3% stake in the Swiss brand On, which went public in 2021 and today has a market value of close to US$15 billion (R$75.3 billion).
Critério Forbes editorial for selection of celebrity billionaires
Forbes magazine defines “celebrity” as someone who became famous before becoming extremely rich, a criterion that favors artists and athletes. The list excludes people known primarily for their wealth or business success, such as Estados Unidos president Donald Trump and businessman Mark Cuban. The assets were calculated based on estimates as of March 1, 2026, reflecting the most current financial situation of the individuals.
Patrimônios consolidated: entertainment, sports and business
Rihanna remains in 20th place with US$1 billion (R$5.02 billion), despite not releasing an album in ten years. Sua fortune was built mainly off stage through Fenty Beauty, a cosmetics company that he co-manages with LVMH. The luxury conglomerate is reportedly considering selling its stake in the brand in a deal that could value the company between US$1 billion and US$2 billion (R$5.02 billion to R$10.04 billion).
Jay-Z, in 6th place with US$2.8 billion (R$14.06 billion), has almost tripled his fortune since becoming hip-hop’s first billionaire in 2019. The rapper has driven growth through drinks deals, selling 50% of Brignac’s Armand champagne brand to LVMH in 2021 and most of his stake in D’Ussé cognac for Bacardi in 2023.
Taylor Swift remains in 7th place with US$2 billion (R$10.04 billion). Tornou will become a billionaire in 2023 driven by earnings from the Eras tour and the value of her music catalog. Sua fortune includes almost US$1 billion (R$5.02 billion) accumulated from royalties and tours, approximately US$900 million (R$4.52 billion) in music catalog and US$100 million (R$502 million) in real estate.
