Sir David Beckham has been officially knighted, and although his fortune is estimated at £500million, it is modest when compared to the wealth of the world's richest football star
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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - JULY 25: (L-R) Co-owner David Beckham of Inter Miami CF and wife Victoria Beckham look on prior to the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Inter Miami CF and Atlanta United at DRV PNK Stadium on July 25, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Sir David Beckham has finally received a knighthood for his services to charity and to sport
(Image: Megan Briggs, Getty Images)
Sir David Beckham's recent Knighthood has further solidified his status as a national icon, recognised for his contributions to charity and sport.
The 50-year-old, along with his wife Victoria, has constructed an empire that reaches far beyond the football pitch, with their combined net worth estimated at £500million, according to The Sunday Times Rich List.
However, their wealth is dwarfed by the astonishing fortune of Faiq Bolkiah, the wealthiest footballer in the world, whose net worth is reported to be around £20billion - approximately 40 times that of the Beckhams.
Bolkiah, a 27-year-old winger who was once part of Chelsea's academy, is a member of the Brunei Royal family, attributing his vast wealth primarily to his lineage as the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah.
Unlike Beckham, whose wealth originates from a distinguished career with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and numerous profitable endorsements, Bolkiah's fortune is largely inherited.
The Brunei Royal family's extensive assets include oil and gas reserves, luxury properties and investments that overshadow the earnings of even the most successful athletes.
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While Bolkiah's football career has earned him modest wages, his Royal status places him in a financial league of his own. In contrast, the Beckhams have meticulously amassed their wealth through football, fashion and media ventures.
Beckham's illustrious career, which saw him earn 115 caps for England and win numerous league titles, laid the groundwork. His ventures post-retirement, including co-owning Inter Miami and securing high-profile sponsorships with brands such as Adidas and Haig Club, have significantly bolstered their wealth, reports the Mirror.
CHONBURI, THAILAND - APRIL 09: Faiq Jefri Bolkiah of Chonburi FC during the Thai League 1 match between Chonburi and Chiangrai United at Chonburi Municipality Stadium on April 09, 2023 in Chonburi, Thailand. (Photo by Peter Van der Klooster/Getty Images)
Bolkiah is the world's richest football player(Image: Peter Van der Klooster, Getty Images)
Victoria's fashion empire, particularly her self-titled label, has contributed further millions to their fortune. The couple's business savvy is evident in their £70m in company assets and £40m in dividends over recent years.
However, Bolkiah operates on a different level. His wealth affords him a lifestyle that includes private jets and supercars, making the Beckhams' collection of Bentleys and Range Rovers appear modest in comparison.
While Beckham and Victoria's property portfolio, encompassing a Notting Hill townhouse, a Cotswolds mansion and a Miami penthouse, is impressive, Bolkiah's access to palatial residences across Brunei and beyond is unmatched.
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Despite his immense wealth, Bolkiah maintains a relatively low profile in football, focusing on his career in Thailand and with the Brunei national team rather than pursuing global fame.
He currently plays for Ratchaburi, having transferred from fellow Thai League 1 club Chonburi in 2023. Before that, he was contracted to Portuguese club Maritimo, but failed to make a senior appearance for the team.
Bolkiah spent the majority of his youth career in England, initially with Southampton, followed by Chelsea and later Leicester. Despite being an international footballer (he's earned six caps for Brunei) since 2016, he was unable to secure a professional contract.