Sports
The World’s Richest Soccer Player: Worth 12 Times More Than Ronaldo and Messi Combined

The World’s Richest Soccer Player: Worth 12 Times More Than Ronaldo and Messi Combined
When the world thinks of wealthy soccer players, the names Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi naturally come to mind. Both are not only football legends but also global icons with enormous earnings from contracts, endorsements, and investments. However, neither of them holds the title of the richest soccer player in the world. That honor belongs to a less celebrated but incredibly wealthy figure: Faiq Bolkiah.
Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
Faiq Bolkiah may not be a household name in footballing circles, but his financial standing dwarfs even the most decorated players. Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1998, Bolkiah is a member of the royal family of Brunei, a small but oil-rich Southeast Asian nation. He is the nephew of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, who is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world.
While his personal wealth is estimated at over $20 billion, it largely stems from his royal lineage rather than his professional football career. This staggering figure is approximately 12 times the combined net worth of Cristiano Ronaldo (around $500 million) and Lionel Messi (approximately $600 million).
A Royal Background Meets Football Passion
Despite his immense wealth, Faiq Bolkiah pursued a passion for football rather than living a purely opulent royal life. He trained in England’s youth academies, joining clubs like Southampton, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Eventually, he signed with Leicester City’s youth team, though he never broke into the first team.
In 2020, Bolkiah moved to Portugal to sign with Marítimo, a Primeira Liga team. While his footballing journey hasn’t reached the heights of global stardom, his dedication to the sport is evident. Unlike many players born into modest or middle-class backgrounds, Bolkiah’s career isn’t driven by financial necessity but by a genuine love for the game.
A Lifestyle Beyond Compare
As a royal family member, Bolkiah’s lifestyle is nothing short of extraordinary. He reportedly has access to private jets, luxurious mansions, and a fleet of high-end cars. Stories about his extravagant spending include reports of lavish parties and pets like tigers.
However, Bolkiah remains grounded when it comes to football. Despite his royal privileges, he has worked hard to earn his place in professional football, focusing on the sport’s demands rather than relying on his family’s wealth to gain special treatment.
Why Isn’t He More Famous?
Unlike Messi and Ronaldo, whose fame is tied to their footballing exploits, Bolkiah’s reputation is more about his wealth than his achievements on the field. His career trajectory hasn’t seen him compete in elite leagues or win prestigious tournaments, which limits his visibility in the footballing world.
Moreover, Bolkiah’s choice to play for Brunei’s national team rather than a more competitive footballing nation also contributes to his relatively low profile. Brunei’s national team does not participate in major international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, keeping Bolkiah out of the global spotlight.
How Does He Compare to Messi and Ronaldo?
While Messi and Ronaldo have built their wealth through unparalleled skill, iconic brand partnerships, and successful business ventures, Bolkiah’s fortune is inherited. Messi and Ronaldo remain at the pinnacle of football due to their talent and consistent performances at the highest level.
Messi’s lucrative contract with Inter Miami and Ronaldo’s record-breaking deal with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia have ensured they remain among the highest-paid athletes globally. However, their combined fortunes pale in comparison to Bolkiah’s royal inheritance.
Conclusion
Faiq Bolkiah’s story is a fascinating blend of royalty and sportsmanship. While he may not dominate football headlines with goals and trophies like Messi and Ronaldo, his unparalleled wealth ensures his name stands out in discussions about the financial elite in the sport.
Despite his royal status, Bolkiah’s dedication to football serves as a reminder that passion can transcend even the most opulent of lifestyles. Whether he continues to make waves on the field or remains a lesser-known figure, Bolkiah will forever hold the title of the world’s richest soccer player.
Read More: Lionel Messi’s Pull: La Liga Star Chooses Inter Miami Over European Giants
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