Cristiano Ronaldo's bank balance is to receive a massive boost following his mega-money move to Saudi Arabia - but his wealth still lags a long way behind the richest footballer in the world. The Daily Star reports that while the Portugal and former Manchester United striker has a net worth of £425million and will reportedly earn £173 million a year with his new club, Al Nassr, that sum pales in comparison to former Leicester City and Arsenal youth star Faiq Bolkiah, who is worth a staggering £20billion.
Despite being relatively unknown in the football world, Bolkiah is the world's richest player, although, unlike Ronaldo, he hasn't amassed his wealth from his endeavours on the pitch. The 24-year-old was born into money as his dad Jefri is the brother of oil tycoon Hassanal, the Sultan of Brunei. Bolkiah's royal connections have ensured that he is a recipient of his uncle's exorbitant fortune.
Unlike his family, Bolkiah's passion lies in football. He began his career in England as a teen with spells at Southampton, Chelsea, Reading and Arsenal, before signing his first professional deal with Leicester City in 2016.
However, Bolkiah didn't make the cut for the Foxes and now plays for Thai side Chonburi FC, who he joined this year after being released by top-flight Portuguese club Maritimo in December 2021.
He had signed a three-year professional contract with Leicester City but never made a first team appearance for the Foxes. He later joined Martimo, but his hopes of a big break were shattered when his contract with the top-flight Portuguese side was rescinded.
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