The 2026 edition of Forbes' list of "Spain's 100 Richest" reveals a historic growth in the wealth of Spain's great fortunes. According to the report published on November 3, collective wealth of the ranking members has risen 16.1% compared to the previous year, reaching a record figure of 300.530 billion euros. This increase, which doubles the intensity of growth recorded in the prior year, reflects a significant patrimonial acceleration, with total fortune having more than doubled in barely four years. Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex, continues to lead the ranking indisputably for more than a decade. At 90 years old, his wealth has grown 13.9% to stand at 125.200 billion euros, representing 41.7% of the total on the list. This performance not only consolidates him as the richest man in Spain and in Europe, but places him within the world’s top 10 fortunes according to Forbes USA, surpassing figures such as Bernard Arnault. In second position remains his daughter, Sandra Ortega, with an estimated fortune of 11.500 billion euros, reaffirming her status as the country’s richest woman. The podium is completed by Juan Roig, president of Mercadona, whose wealth has undergone a spectacular jump of 24%, reaching 9.800 billion euros and reclaiming the third place he lost in 2021. One of the most notable novelties is the rise of Juan Carlos Escotet, president of Abanca, who climbs to fourth place with 8.100 billion euros, 31% more than last year, driven by the solid performance of the banking sector. This move has displaced Rafael del Pino Calvo-Sotelo, chairman of Ferrovial, to fifth position with 7.800 billion euros. The ranking also highlights new entrants and the growth of other profiles. Florentino Pérez, president of ACS and Real Madrid, has seen his fortune grow 58% to 4.900 billion, placing him seventh. Meanwhile, Ana Botín, president of Banco Santander, enters the list at position 97 with 700 million euros. The strongest debut is led by Fernando Masaveu, who enters directly at position 30 with 1.700 billion. Female presence on the list accounts for 26 women, whose combined wealth has grown 14% to 64.780 billion euros. Additionally, the list reflects a generational shift with Enrique Riquelme, at 37 years old, as the youngest member. To be part of this exclusive club in 2026, the cutoff has risen to 510 million euros, evidencing that wealth in Spain is increasingly concentrated and expanding.
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