David Beckham has struck gold this year, raking in an impressive £72 million, largely attributed to the resounding success of his Netflix documentary.
This financial triumph has left Meghan and Harry green with envy after their tumultuous 2023.
The renowned footballer and his wife, Victoria, are now poised to potentially break the £100 million mark next year, especially with Victoria's fashion brand finally turning a profit after a 15-year dry spell.
The couple's enthralling four-part documentary series, which made its debut on October 4th, delved deep into the intricacies of the Beckhams' relationship, early love story, family dynamics, and David's illustrious football career.
Recent company reports unveiled that David Beckham Ventures Ltd and Seven Global LLP jointly amassed a staggering £72.6 million in profits through sponsorships within his production company.
A fresh analysis indicated that the documentary, which captivated a record-breaking 3.8 million viewers in its inaugural week, contributed over £20 million to their overall earnings.
A source divulged to The Sun that the Netflix deal alone was worth more than £20 million, marking a golden year for the iconic figure known as Golden Balls.
The documentary's massive triumph has been a validation of Beckham's enduring popularity, leading to a flood of lucrative commercial and partnership opportunities despite his retirement a decade ago.
Conversely, former allies turned foes Meghan and Harry faced a significant setback with their brand taking a nosedive from being hyped up to being labeled as the biggest losers of 2023.
The Hollywood Reporter officially deemed the duo as one of the industry's major disappointments.
Despite the royal couple's extensive media presence through various projects like Prince Harry's book “Spare,” Meghan's Archetypes podcast, and Harry's appearances on US television, they failed to translate this buzz into tangible success for their core ventures.
The Archibald Foundation, a key charity associated with the Sussexes, witnessed a drastic $11 million decline in donations over the past year, plunging it into financial distress.
Notably, a Royal Public Relations expert, Mark Bukowski, predicted a challenging road ahead for Meghan and Harry, emphasizing the need for a significant turnaround in 2024 to salvage their careers.
Bukowski cautioned that Hollywood might soon tire of the couple if they fail to deliver a substantial hit next year, signaling a pivotal moment for the Sussexes.
As the pressure mounts on Meghan and Harry to rejuvenate their brand, there are whispers within industry circles suggesting that Meghan's path to success in entertainment hinges on extending an olive branch to Prince William and reconciling with the royal family.
Given William's influential position as the President of the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), insiders warn that any estrangement from him could potentially hinder Meghan's prospects in the entertainment realm.
The stakes are high for the Sussexes as they navigate the turbulent waters of fame and fortune, with the clock ticking on their quest for redemption and relevance in the ever-demanding world of showbiz.