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LONDON, Nov 3 (AFP) - England football captain David Beckham, whose wife Victoria Beckham is currently the subject of an alleged kidnap plot, was among Britain's 500 highest earners last year -- making more money than Queen Elizabeth II, according to a survey in The Sunday Times newspaper.

Beckham, 27, earned 15.5 million pounds (24.3 million dollars/euros) in 2001 -- Britain's 45th highest earner -- and one place above the queen who pocketed 15.2 million.

Beckham, who earns 90,000 pounds per week playing for Manchester United and millions more a year from advertising, leapt up from 88th position in 2000 when he earned 6.5 million pounds. The queen fell from 24th position.

Footballers, and Manchester United players in particular, were the biggest winners among Britain's top earners in 2001, with the entire team, including three substitute players and manager Alex Ferguson making it into the top 500.

A total 53 footballers playing in Britain, or more than 10 percent of the country's highest earners, made it onto the list -- equal to the number of city financiers who made the grade.

Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, who topped the list in 2000, was overtaken by Philip Green, 50, who took home 157.7 million pounds in dividends after turning around the fortunes of retailer British Home Stores (Bhs).

Green was followed by hairdresser turned businessman John Frieda, 51, with 153 million pounds after selling his hair products company.

Neither Green nor Frieda featured in the 2000 list.

British low-fare airline Easyjet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, 35, came eighth in the 2001 list with 63.4 million pounds.

Pop star Madonna, who lives in London, was the highest earner in showbusiness and the second highest female with 36 million pounds while Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling made 28 million. Fifty-nine women made it into the top 500.

Ex-Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, 60, came 16th, one place below Madonna, with 35 million pounds.

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