From the Ring to the Stage: Joshua and Styles Join UK's Top Taxpayer Elite
This analysis of the Sunday Times Tax List was independently compiled.
LONDON — The annual Sunday Times Tax List, a barometer of the UK's highest financial contributors, has unveiled its latest rankings, spotlighting a diverse mix of sports stars, entertainers, and business leaders who paid a combined £5.76 billion in tax last year. The list provides a rare glimpse into the fiscal responsibilities of the country's top earners amid ongoing national debates about wealth and public funding.
In a notable crossover of fame and finance, former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua and global music phenomenon Harry Styles have entered the prestigious roster for the first time. Joshua, whose career has seen dramatic highs and lows, secured the 100th spot with an estimated tax payment of £11 million. Styles, the former One Direction star turned solo superstar, made a more significant splash as a new entry, contributing £24.7 million to the Exchequer.
The 2025 list underscores the substantial tax revenues generated from the UK's creative and athletic sectors. Author J.K. Rowling maintained a strong presence at 36th place (£47.5m), while musicians like Ed Sheeran (64th, £19.9m) and footballers Erling Haaland (72nd) and Mohamed Salah (estimated £14.5m) featured prominently. The top position was held by Betfred founders Fred and Peter Done, with a staggering £400.1 million tax bill.
Analysts note the total tax paid by the top 100 rose significantly from £4.99 billion the previous year. This increase is largely attributed to the corporation tax hike from 19% to 25%, a policy enacted by the previous government in 2023, which has now filtered through to personal tax liabilities for many business owners and high-earning companies.
The publication of the list coincides with a public sighting of Anthony Joshua in Hertfordshire, where he was photographed smiling and engaging with young football players—a positive image following his recovery from a serious car accident in Nigeria months prior.
Public Reaction & Commentary
Michael Thorne, Financial Analyst in London: "While these figures are eye-watering, it's crucial context. This list represents a fraction of the UK's total tax base, but it highlights how progressive taxation on high earners and profitable corporations directly funds public services. The year-on-year increase is a direct result of fiscal policy."
Rebecca Shaw, Small Business Owner in Manchester: "Good for them for paying their share, I suppose. But let's not have a parade. This is what a functioning society requires. My concern is whether the system ensures everyone at that wealth level is contributing fairly, not just the visible celebrities."
David Finch, Music Fan & Blogger: "Seeing Harry Styles up there with industry titans is wild! From singing 'What Makes You Beautiful' to paying over £24 million in tax—that's a glow-up for the history books. It's a powerful reminder that the arts are a major economic engine, not just entertainment."
Siobhan O'Connell, Political Activist in Glasgow: "This is a grotesque spectacle. We're meant to applaud the ultra-wealthy for meeting a basic legal duty? Meanwhile, public services are crumbling and ordinary families face a crushing cost-of-living crisis. These sums are a testament to extreme inequality, not patriotism."