World's richest footballer worth 40 times more than David and Victoria Beckham
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Sir David Beckham's recent knighthood has further solidified his status as a national treasure, renowned for his footballing prowess and global influence. The 50 year old, along with his wife Victoria, has constructed an empire that reaches far beyond the football pitch, with their combined net worth estimated at £500million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
However, their wealth is dwarfed by the astonishing fortune of Faiq Bolkiah, the wealthiest footballer in the world, whose net worth is reported to be around £20billion - approximately 40 times that of the Beckhams. Bolkiah, a 27 year old winger who was once part of Chelsea's academy, is a member of the Brunei Royal family, attributing his vast wealth primarily to his lineage 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 overshadow the earnings of even the most successful athletes.
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While Bolkiah's football career has brought him modest wages, his Royal status puts him in a financial league all of his own. In contrast, the Beckhams have carefully built their wealth through football, fashion, and media ventures.
David's illustrious football career, which saw him earn 115 caps for England and bag multiple league titles, laid the groundwork. His post-retirement ventures, including co-owning Inter Miami and securing lucrative sponsorships with brands like Adidas and Haig Club, have significantly bolstered their wealth, reports the Mirror.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
Victoria's fashion empire, particularly her namesake label, has contributed further millions to their fortune, with the couple's business savvy reflected 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 seem modest in comparison.
While David and Victoria's property portfolio - boasting a Notting Hill townhouse, a Cotswolds mansion and a Miami penthouse - is impressive, Bolkiah's access to palatial residences across Brunei and beyond is unmatched. Yet, despite his wealth, Bolkiah maintains a relatively low profile in football, focusing 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 that, he was contracted to Portuguese club Maritimo, but failed to make a senior appearance for the team.
Bolkiah spent the majority of his youth career in England, initially with Southampton, then Chelsea and later Leicester. Despite being an international footballer (he's earned six caps for Brunei) since 2016, he wasn't able to secure a professional contract.
The contrast between Bolkiah and Beckham underscores different routes to wealth in football. While David epitomises the pinnacle of self-made success, utilising talent and branding to accumulate a fortune, Bolkiah represents a unique intersection of sport and inherited wealth, where football is more of a passion than a financial necessity.
As Sir David revels in the glory of his knighthood, his and Victoria's £500m empire, though impressive, pales in comparison to Bolkiah's billions, highlighting the extraordinary magnitude of the Brunei prince's wealth.
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