World's richest footballer is worth £20billion – 40 times more than David and Victoria Beckham

Wales Online

9 hours ago

World's richest footballer is worth £20billion – 40 times more than David and Victoria Beckham
David Beckham was recently knighted for his services to football and charity, with the former England captain and his wife Victoria boasting an estimated net worth of £500million
David Beckham and his wife Victoria have amassed a combined fortune of roughly £500million
(Image: Getty Images )
Sir David Beckham's long-awaited Knighthood has further solidified his standing as a beloved national figure, recognised for his services to charity and to sport.
The 50-year-old, together with his wife Victoria, has constructed an empire that reaches well beyond football, with their combined wealth estimated at £500million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
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However, this figure is dwarfed by the astonishing fortune of Faiq Bolkiah, the world's wealthiest footballer, whose net worth is reported to be around £20billion - approximately 40 times that of the Beckhams.
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Bolkiah, a 27-year-old winger who was once part of Chelsea's academy, is a member of the Brunei Royal family. His vast wealth primarily stems from his familial ties as the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.
Unlike Beckham, whose wealth originates from a distinguished career with Manchester United, Real Madrid and numerous profitable endorsements, Bolkiah's fortune is largely inherited.
The Brunei Royal family's extensive assets include oil and gas reserves, luxury properties, and investments that surpass the earnings of even the most successful athletes.
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While Bolkiah's football career has brought him modest earnings, his Royal status situates him in a financial league all his own. In contrast, the Beckhams have carefully amassed their wealth through football, fashion, and media endeavours, reports the Mirror.
Beckham's illustrious career, which boasts 115 caps for England and numerous league titles, set the stage. His ventures post-retirement, including co-ownership of Inter Miami and securing lucrative sponsorships with brands such as Adidas and Haig Club, have significantly amplified their wealth.
Bolkiah is the world's wealthiest football player
(Image: Getty Images )
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Victoria's fashion empire, especially her namesake label, has contributed further millions to their fortune. The couple's business savvy is evident in their £70m in company assets and £40m in dividends over recent years.
However, Bolkiah operates on a different level. His wealth affords him a lifestyle that includes private jets and supercars, making the Beckhams' collection of Bentleys and Range Rovers appear modest in comparison.
While Beckham and his wife Victoria's property portfolio, encompassing a Notting Hill townhouse, a Cotswolds mansion and a Miami penthouse, is impressive, Bolkiah's access to grand residences across Brunei and beyond is unmatched.
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Despite his immense wealth, Bolkiah maintains a relatively low profile in football, concentrating on his career in Thailand and with the Brunei national team rather than pursuing global fame.
He currently plays for Ratchaburi, having transferred from fellow Thai League 1 club Chonburi in 2023. Before this, he was signed to Portuguese club Maritimo, but never made a senior appearance for the team.
Bolkiah spent most of his youth career in England, initially with Southampton, then Chelsea and later Leicester. However, he was unable to secure a professional contract despite being an international footballer (he's earned six caps for Brunei) since 2016.