The Richest Footballer – Meet Faiq Bolkiah,
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Isn’t the Richest Footballer in the World
When you think of wealth in football, names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and David Beckham come to mind. With record-breaking salaries, sponsorship deals with global giants like Nike, and luxury lifestyles to match, they represent the epitome of football fame and fortune.
Ronaldo, in particular, has achieved monumental financial success. His lucrative move to Al Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, combined with off-the-pitch ventures such as the CR7 fashion brand and a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike, have reportedly propelled his net worth beyond the $1 billion mark (source).
Yet, even with all his accomplishments, Cristiano Ronaldo does not hold the title of the richest footballer in the world.
The Surprise Billionaire: Faiq Bolkiah
Enter Faiq Bolkiah, a name you may not recognize unless you’re closely following Southeast Asian football. Born in Los Angeles and currently playing for Ratchaburi FC in Thailand, Bolkiah’s football credentials are modest when compared to Ronaldo or Messi.
But what sets Faiq apart is his royal bloodline. He is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the world’s wealthiest monarchs. That royal connection gives him an estimated net worth of $20 billion—making him the richest footballer on the planet (source).
Where the Wealth Comes From: Oil, Gas, and Royalty
Faiq’s immense wealth doesn’t stem from endorsements, goal bonuses, or Champions League victories. Instead, it comes from Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves, which fund the royal family’s extravagant lifestyle. The Sultan of Brunei is known for owning thousands of luxury cars, palaces, and private jets, all part of an empire passed down to his descendants.
While Faiq has chosen to pursue a career in football, his wealth is largely inherited, not earned from the sport itself.
A Tale of Two Fortunes
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi: Self-made millionaires who built their empires through hard work, global appeal, and relentless discipline.
- Faiq Bolkiah: A lesser-known footballer whose status as a royal heir gives him an unmatched financial edge.
Despite their different paths, all three represent distinct journeys in the world of football. Ronaldo remains a model of ambition and business acumen. Bolkiah, on the other hand, is a reminder that sometimes, wealth chooses you, not the other way around.
