New Forbes list points to 22 billionaire celebrities in 2026 with Steven Spielberg in the lead

Forbes magazine published the annual survey of the richest celebrities in the world in 2026. The group now has 22 internationally renowned personalities. The combined equity reaches the significant mark of US$48.1 billion. The value corresponds to around R$241.5 billion in direct conversion. The number of members grew significantly compared to the previous year. The 2025 edition registered 18 names with a combined fortune of US$39 billion, equivalent to R$195.8 billion.

Quatro new billionaires joined the select group in this edition. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Roger Federer, Dr. Dre and James Cameron reached the financial level required by the publication. Eles share space with figures already established in the global market. Nomes as Oprah Winfrey, Vince McMahon, Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift maintain their positions in the rankings. The pop singer ranks seventh with an accumulated net worth of US$2 billion.

Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Michael Jordan form the podium

Steven Spielberg tops the rankings with a net worth of $7.1 billion. The amount is equivalent to R$35.64 billion at the current exchange rate. The filmmaker helped found the production company DreamWorks. Ele holds the title of director with the highest box office grossing in the history of world cinema. The professional also receives a share of the profits on tickets sold at Universal Studios theme parks. The lifetime deal involves classic franchises like Tubarão, Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. The director’s next film, the science fiction thriller Disclosure Day, premieres in May this year.

George Lucas appears in second place with US$5.2 billion. The creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones sagas built the basis of his wealth in the audiovisual sector. The sale of producer Lucasfilm to Disney took place in 2012. The transaction involved US$4 billion in cash and shares at the time. The filmmaker currently focuses on philanthropic projects. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is scheduled to open in 2026 in the city of Los Angeles.

Former player Michael Jordan rounds out the top trio with US$4.3 billion. The athlete earned US$90 million in salary during his time on the NBA court. Most of his fortune came from endorsement deals. Parcerias with brands such as Nike, Hanes and Gatorade brought in more than $2 billion before taxes. The former athlete sold the majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets franchise in 2023. The deal valued the basketball team at around $3 billion.

Ranking complete of the 22 richest people in the world

The 2026 list includes professionals from different areas of activity, with a strong presence in the entertainment and sports industries. The survey considers estimated values ​​up to March 1st of this year.

• 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

The data reflects the diversification of investments adopted by these public figures. The transition from artistic and sporting careers to the business world has boosted earnings in the last decade.

Beyoncé, Roger Federer and James Cameron debut in the survey

Singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter secured the twenty-first position with US$1 billion. The artist built her financial empire during three decades of work in the music industry. Ela started his career in the group Destiny’s Child before pursuing a solo career. The singer has 35 Grammy awards. Ano’s first Álbum trophy arrived in 2025. The artist purchased a residence in Malibu for $200 million alongside her husband Jay-Z. The acquisition broke Califórnia’s 2023 real estate market record.

Music producer Dr. Dre ranks twenty-second with the same value of $1 billion. The businessman founded Beats Electronics and Beats Music. Apple purchased the companies for US$3 billion in 2014. The executive also created the record label Aftermath Entertainment in 1996. The label launched the careers of artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar.

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Filmmaker James Cameron entered the list in nineteenth position with US$1.1 billion. The director led successful productions such as Titanic and the Avatar franchise. The professional received around US$350 million just from the first science fiction film set in Pandora. The value includes global box office revenue and sales in video and streaming formats.

Former tennis player Roger Federer appears in eighteenth place with US$ 1.1 billion. The Swiss athlete won 20 Grand Slam tournaments. His official retirement took place in the 2022 season. The athlete earned up to US$100 million annually from sponsorships at the height of his career. Marcas like Uniqlo, Rolex and Mercedes held long contracts with the player. The biggest financial return came from the acquisition of 3% of footwear manufacturer On. The company went public on the stock exchange in 2021. The company’s market value is currently around US$15 billion.

Taylor Swift, Jay-Z and Rihanna consolidate entertainment fortunes

Singer Rihanna is in twentieth place with US$1 billion. The artist has not released a new studio album in ten years. The fortune derives from the cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty. The company operates in partnership with luxury conglomerate LVMH. The French group is analyzing the possibility of selling its part of the business. The operation could value the makeup company at between US$1 billion and US$2 billion on the international market.

Rapper Jay-Z holds sixth place with $2.8 billion. The musician has multiplied his own assets since 2019. Financial growth occurred through investments in the alcoholic beverages sector. The businessman sold half of the Armand champagne brand from Brignac to LVMH in 2021. The artist also traded the largest share of the D’Ussé cognac brand to Bacardi in 2023.

Taylor Swift maintains seventh place with $2 billion. The singer reached billionaire status in 2023. Revenue from the Eras tour has boosted the artist’s earnings in recent years. The composer’s musical catalog has a high market value. The fortune encompasses almost US$1 billion in royalties and concerts. The song collection represents US$900 million. The artist’s real estate portfolio totals US$100 million.

Critérios selection separates artists from traditional businesspeople

The Forbes magazine methodology establishes specific rules for this category. The vehicle defines a celebrity as an individual who achieved fame before becoming significantly rich. The criterion directly favors athletes, musicians, actors and film directors. Pessoas recognized primarily for corporate success are left out of the official count.

The president of Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, is not part of the survey for this reason. Businessman Mark Cuban also does not meet the publication’s requirements. Asset calculations use financial market data updated in the first quarter of 2026. The list reflects the ability to monetize public image in different sectors of the global economy.