Former Man United striker and team-mate to world-beater Cristiano Ronaldo, Louis Saha, has a fortune that stems into the billions - but that pales in comparison to Faiq Bolkiah's net worth
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Former footballer and BBC pundit Louis Saha giving analysis ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 23, 2023 in London, England
Louis Saha's net worth has grown exponentially but he's far from the world's richest pro
(Image: Getty Images)
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has amassed a stunning £4.3billion fortune in retirement - but this figure is dwarfed by ex-Leicester winger Faiq Bolkiah's wealth.
Saha kitted out for the Red Devils between 2004 and 2008 under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning two Premier League titles, a Champions League, and a League Cup. He also had spells with Everton, Tottenham, and Sunderland before hanging up his boots in 2013. However, Saha has gathered the majority of his wealth through his sporting company, AxisStars.
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The firm, which states it connects "professional athletes and entertainers, their peers and trusted partners," has been a successful venture for Saha - though it hasn't seen him get close to the eye-watering fortune of the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Bolkiah, who is one of several heirs to a £16bn pot.
Saha is CEO of the company he co-founded with former marketer Kate Hamer, which is thought to be connected with over 500 ex-athletes.
The website displays a photo of the ex-footballer alongside Hamer, with a description reading: "Since hanging up his boots, Louis has moved into the world of business where he has used his experience to develop propositions to support athletes and other people in the public eye, in their careers."
Saha opened up about his venture to The Guardian, saying: "I still get asked for advice by different people on a daily basis. For instance, my agent called me to say he had a talented French footballer who he wants to bring to England.
Louis Saha looks on during the Women's group B match between Australia and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Nice on July 28, 2024
Saha has made billions in retirement(Image: Getty Images)
"He asked me for advice on how to create a tailor-made training programme. I put him in touch with people I used to work with," the Frenchman continued.
"This kind of player could join Axis as he can then search for a personal coach in his region. It is a hard process but it's so rewarding, because if I can help 100,000 people, it's the best thing I've ever done."
Faiq Bolkiah, the world's richest footballer, has been released by his current club. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Bolkiah had a notable spell with Leicester City(Image: Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
On the other hand, Bolkiah, who had spells with the academies of Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester before heading to the Thai Premier League, is still plying his trade at the age of 26.
The left winger initially penned a deal with Chonburi before heading to his current club, Ratchaburi. Bolkiah is a member of the House of Bolkiah and is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei.
His standing as one of several heirs to a £16b fortune sees him put Saha's staggering net worth to shame, and this figure is over 30 times what the iconic Ronaldo has gathered during his career and various business ventures, a sum estimated to stand at £600million.
Bolkiah had been sidelined for some time. Having only joined Ratchaburi in 2023, he suffered a brutal leg break in February 2024 in a match against Police Tero.
He returned to the pitch last month after nearly 350 days out and joyfully wrote on Instagram: "Almost one year since my injury, Feels great to be back out there."