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The list of the world's richest people in 2025 is very much dominated by American businessmen, but there are two Europeans on there too.
09:47, Mon, Dec 22, 2025 Updated: 09:50, Mon, Dec 22, 2025
Many people know that the richest individuals in the world tend to come from the United States, especially those who built huge technology companies. But the latest list of global billionaires shows that not everyone at the top is American. A small number of European tycoons have also made it into the ranking, including one businessman many people have probably never heard of.
The fortunes on the list come from different industries. Some built their wealth through retail. Others did it through software, online platforms or investment firms. And while some have been well known for years, others only recently saw their wealth surge as their companies grew.
Here are the world’s 11 richest billionaires as of 2025, according to Forbes.
11. Amancio Ortega - £107bn
Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega is the founder of Inditex, the global fashion group behind Zara, Bershka and Massimo Dutti. And while many people have probably never heard of him, Forbes estimates his 2025 wealth at £107bn. Ortega built his empire by focusing on fast fashion and keeping production cycles short, allowing stores to react quickly to trends.
He also owns a huge property portfolio across cities in Europe and the US, which brings in significant rental income. Despite his wealth, Ortega keeps a low profile and rarely gives interviews.
(Image: Getty)
10. Warren Buffett - £109bn
Warren Buffett, worth £109bn, is widely seen as one of the most successful investors in history. He leads Berkshire Hathaway, a company that owns or invests in household names such as Coca-Cola, American Express and Apple.
Buffett built his fortune through long-term investing and avoiding risky speculation. He still lives in the same home he bought in the 1950s and continues to run Berkshire at 94. Much of his fortune is pledged to charity through the Giving Pledge he co-founded with Bill Gates.
(Image: Getty)
9. Steve Ballmer - £110bn
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has a net worth of £110bn. He joined Microsoft in 1980 and helped expand the company into one of the most valuable in the world. Most of his wealth comes from the large number of shares he kept after leaving the company.
Ballmer now owns the LA Clippers basketball team and funds technology, education and public health projects. His fortune increased sharply as Microsoft’s share price rose through its development of cloud computing and AI services.
(Image: Getty)
8. Jensen Huang - £117bn
Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang is worth £117bn, according to Forbes. He has seen his wealth soar as demand for Nvidia’s chips grew due to artificial intelligence, gaming and data centre expansion. The company’s processors now power many of the world’s most advanced AI systems.
Huang started Nvidia in 1993 and built it into one of the strongest technology companies in the US. His personal wealth has risen faster than almost anyone else on the list because of Nvidia’s growth over the past few years.
(Image: Getty)
7. Bernard Arnault - £141bn
Bernard Arnault is the French chairman and chief executive of LVMH, the world’s largest luxury goods group. His wealth is estimated at £141bn. LVMH controls more than 70 brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon and Tiffany & Co.
Arnault built the company through major acquisitions and a strong focus on the global luxury market. He is one of Europe’s richest men and regularly competes with US tech giants at the top of the global wealth rankings. His family members also work in the business.
(Image: Getty)
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