**World’s Wealthiest Footballer Faiq Bolkiah Outshines Beckham Fortune with Staggering £20 Billion Net Worth**
Sir David Beckham, recently honoured with a Knighthood for his contributions both on and off the pitch, has long been regarded as one of the most influential figures in sport and celebrity culture. Together with his wife Victoria, the former England star has forged a brand and business empire that places their combined wealth at a hefty £500 million, as reported by The Sunday Times Rich List.
Yet, this considerable fortune pales in comparison to that of Faiq Bolkiah, whose personal wealth is reported to stand at an astronomical £20 billion. To put this in perspective, Bolkiah’s assets are roughly forty times that of the celebrated Beckham duo—a figure that may well surprise even devoted football followers.
Faiq Bolkiah, currently 27 years of age and plying his trade as a winger in the Thai football leagues, is not only a footballer but also a prince, hailing from the royal family of Brunei. His uncle, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, presides over one of the world’s wealthiest monarchies, with Faiq’s enormous resources stemming not from footballing exploits, but from his illustrious family ties.
Unlike Beckham, whose financial journey began with his triumphs for Manchester United and Real Madrid, later bolstered by high-profile sponsorships and savvy business undertakings, Bolkiah’s fortune is largely inherited. The Bolkiah family is renowned for their far-reaching portfolio, which spans lucrative oil and gas interests, luxurious international real estate, and strategic global investments.
While Faiq Bolkiah’s footballing career has yet to make major headlines or bring in vast sums through contracts or endorsements, his status as a member of royalty places him in an entirely different financial stratum. In contrast, the Beckhams have methodically built their wealth through entrepreneurial ventures such as Victoria’s fashion label and David’s co-ownership of Inter Miami—the couple’s commercial acumen reflected in their significant company assets and dividend earnings.
Despite this, Bolkiah’s lifestyle invariably eclipses that of other sports celebrities. Reports suggest that he enjoys the trappings of immense wealth, from private jets and supercars to a network of opulent residences across the globe. Even the Beckhams’ array of luxury cars and prestigious homes—spanning from a Notting Hill townhouse and a Cotswolds retreat to a Miami high-rise—are modest in comparison to the sprawling estates and extravagances available to the Brunei royal family.
Interestingly, it is not wealth alone that sets the two apart, but also how it is wielded. The Beckhams have keenly cultivated a global public profile, making savvy transitions from football (and pop stardom) into media, fashion, and sport ownership. Their engagement in endorsements with giants such as Adidas and Haig Club has amplified their presence in both sporting and lifestyle circles.
Bolkiah, meanwhile, maintains a relatively understated profile within the footballing world. Rather than seeking out the limelight, he has quietly pursued his playing career across youth academies in England—including stints at Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester—though without the breakthrough of a permanent professional contract. His current career sees him representing Ratchaburi in Thailand, after spells with Chonburi and the Portuguese outfit Maritimo. For his national side, Brunei, he has accumulated a handful of senior caps since 2016.
The disparity between Bolkiah’s inherited riches and the Beckhams’ self-made millions sparks wider debate about the definitions of footballing success, legacy, and influence. Whilst the Beckhams’ journey from sporting talent to global brands is often celebrated, Bolkiah’s story serves as a reminder that, at times, sheer financial power is determined by factors far beyond the pitch.
As the worlds of royalty and football intersect, it becomes clear that the riches of the beautiful game are not always measured in trophies or transfer fees. For many football fans, the spectacular wealth of figures like Faiq Bolkiah brings into sharp relief the diverse and often unexpected fortunes found within modern sport.