Richest Footballer Faiq Bolkiah, Worth £15.7 Billion, Outshines Messi and Ronaldo Off the World Cup Stage
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have achieved billionaire status through their illustrious football careers. However, they pale in comparison to Faiq Bolkiah, a 28-year-old footballer whose wealth is estimated at £15.7 billion ($20 billion). Born in Los Angeles to Bruneian royalty, Bolkiah’s financial standing far exceeds that of the two superstars.
The Financial Landscape of Football’s Elite
Top-earning footballers like Ronaldo and Messi are often perceived as the wealthiest athletes globally, thanks to their substantial salaries and lucrative endorsements. Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, reportedly earns around £3.42 million per week. Messi, now with Inter Miami, has a contract valued at £20.2 million annually.
Despite their impressive earnings, both players are dwarfed by Bolkiah’s staggering net worth. His royal lineage positions him to inherit a significant portion of the Bruneian royal family’s estimated £200 billion fortune.
The Wealth of Faiq Bolkiah
Faiq Bolkiah’s wealth stems from his lineage; he is the son of Jefri Bolkiah, a member of the Bruneian royal family, and the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei. This royal connection places him in a unique financial position, making him the richest footballer in the world. Forbes estimates Ronaldo’s net worth at £908.6 million ($1.2 billion) and Messi’s at £833 million ($1.1 billion). In contrast, Bolkiah’s wealth is approximately seven times greater than the combined fortunes of both players.
For context, Bolkiah could feasibly purchase the Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable sports franchise globally, valued at £10.2 billion ($13.5 billion), and still have around £5 billion remaining.
A Struggling Career on the Pitch
While Bolkiah’s financial status is unparalleled, his football career has not mirrored his wealth. He faced challenges during his time in England, having come through the youth systems of Southampton, Leicester City, and Chelsea. Despite being spotted by Southampton at the age of 13, he struggled to make a significant impact.
Bolkiah reflected on his time at Chelsea, where he played against a strong U-16 squad that included notable players like Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. He described a match where his team suffered a heavy defeat but felt he showcased his abilities despite the loss.
After leaving Chelsea in December 2015, Bolkiah joined Leicester City but did not make any first-team appearances. His subsequent move to Portuguese club Maritimo in 2020 did not yield the playing time he had hoped for, leading him to express regret over that decision.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Currently, Bolkiah plays for Ratchaburi FC in Thailand’s League 1, where he has struggled for playing time. In the 2025/26 season, he made only two appearances out of a possible 30. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his decision to play in Asia, believing it to be the right move for his career.
Bolkiah has expressed concerns about the politics surrounding player transfers in Europe, stating that he felt misled during his time at Maritimo. He emphasized the importance of playing time in his career and indicated a desire to avoid situations where he might not be utilized effectively.
While Faiq Bolkiah’s football career may not have unfolded as he envisioned, he retains his status as the wealthiest footballer globally, a distinction that even the likes of Ronaldo and Messi cannot claim.
Source: www.mirror.co.uk
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Published on 2026-06-20 06:00:00 • By the Editorial Desk
