Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains one of the richest individuals in the country despite a decline in his total net worth
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth has changed significantly (Image: PA)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s fortune has fallen by £1.85 billion in the past year, according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. But the Manchester United co-owner remains the North West’s richest man this year, with an estimated net worth of £15.194 billion, down from £17.04 billion in 2025.
The 73-year-old businessman made his fortune by establishing petrochemical giant INEOS in 1998, securing a 27.7% stake in United in a £1.25bn deal in 2024 after reaching an agreement with majority shareholders the Glazer family.
As a chemical industry representative and CEO of INEOS, Mr. Ratcliffe runs a global petrochemical business spanning 27 countries. However, increased debt levels, lower revenues and losses of £515.7m led to the group’s valuation being reduced to £17bn.
His 29% stake in Manchester United is currently valued at £1.4bn. This follows comments the 73-year-old made last week warning Britain and Europe about the direction of their energy policy during an announcement related to new investment in the US.
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INEOS has confirmed that it has signed an agreement to secure a 21% interest in three oil and gas fields off the east coast of the United States. The investment builds on more than €3bn (£2.61bn) already invested in its US operations.
Sir Jim’s wealth fell by £6.5 billion, according to last year’s Rich List, but he remains the richest man in the North West and is still ranked as Britain’s seventh richest person in 2025.
The Sunday Times has published its annual Rich List. This year’s ranking of 350 individuals and families collectively hold assets of £783.5bn, equivalent to around a quarter of the UK’s annual GDP.
Sir Elton John, Lord Lloyd Webber, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, J.K. Rowling, Charlotte Tilbury and Sir Lewis Hamilton all appear on the annual list for the first time, along with the Gallagher brothers, valued at £375 million.
Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s net worth having been shaved by nearly £2bn over the past year, he remains the richest man in the North East (Image: Getty Images)
The entry threshold for this year’s list has been lowered to £340m, with The Sunday Times describing it as “another indicator of a weak year”.
“This year’s list of the richest people is a story of two emigrations. One in six individuals and families who were on the list two years ago do not appear this time,” said Robert Watts, compiler of the Sunday Times’ list of the richest people.
“Many foreign millionaires who lived in the UK have also dropped out due to relocation. There has also been a surge in the number of British people now residing in Dubai, Switzerland and Monaco. As British nationals, these people will remain on our rich list, no matter where they currently live.”
“These two exodus pose challenges to the UK economy and public finances. As more wealthy people will set up or grow businesses overseas, will this mean fewer jobs will be created here? How much tax (if any) will Rachel Reeves Treasury be able to collect from wealthy Brits who leave the country?”
Ratcliffe’s Manchester United are currently flying high (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
“For nearly 40 years, The Sunday Times Rich List has analyzed the wealth of Britain’s richest people. We believe that understanding where wealth is located and is stored is an essential part of a functioning democracy.”
“Our research over the years has taught us a lot about our country, charting how a generation of largely self-made entrepreneurs has overtaken the old money of the landed aristocracy.
“This year’s issue shines a light on the wealth created not only by artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, and cryptocurrencies, but also by baby milk, cosmetics, hoodies, and other everyday items. We know that many of our readers find the penniless-to-riches stories of entrepreneurs who started with just a laptop and an idea especially inspiring.”
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