Ask anyone who the richest footballer in thw world is and they will likely throw out the names of Lionel Messi and Cristiano but one young footballer has surpassed the GOATs.
Both Messi and Ronaldo came from humble backgrounds and elevated themselves through their outrageous talents.
However, the world’s richest footballer came into the game as a billionaire already.
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With a net worth of $20 billion, Faiq Bolkiah is the richest football player in the world.
Born in Los Angeles, California to Jefri Bolkiah, the Prince of Brunei, Faiq Bolkiah had a passion for football from a young age.
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He spent much of his youth career in England, including spells at Southampton, Leicester City, and Chelsea.
He made his senior debut in Portugal with the Marítimo reserve squad who compete in the Campeonato de Portugal, the second tier.
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Bolkiah holds dual citizenship having been born in the United States, but he chose to represent Brunei.
He has made six senior international appearances to date, netting once.
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While his personal fortune has not been amassed playing football, his estimated net worth of US$20 billion makes him by far the richest footballer in the world.
Bolkiah joined Thai League 1 outift, Chonburi ahead of the second half of the 2021-22 season, making him the first-ever Bruneian to join a Thai club.
This means the richest footballer in the world plies his trade in a relatively obscure league.
Where is Lionel Messi?
Lionel Messi is only the third richest footballer in the world. His net worth of US$600 Million pales in comparison to Faiq Bolkiah’s incredible wealth.
Former Arsenal star Mathieu Flamini soared past Messi and Ronaldo post-retirement thanks to his stake in GF Chemicals, a company that produces biofuels and other products. His stake in the company is said to be worth $10 billion.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth is estimated at $500 million making him the fourth richest, while footballer turned Mogul, David Beckham comes in fifth.
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