Sir David Beckham's has cemented his status as a national treasure, celebrated for his footballing legacy and global influence. , alongside his wife , has built an empire that extends far beyond the pitch, with their combined net worth estimated at £500million, according to .

However, their fortune pales in comparison to the staggering wealth of , the richest footballer on the planet, whose net worth is reported to be around £20billion - roughly 40 times that of the Beckhams. Bolkiah, a 27-year-old winger who, at one point, was in academy, is a member of the Brunei , owing his immense wealth primarily to his lineage as the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, .

Unlike Beckham, whose wealth stems from a storied career with , , as well as countless lucrative endorsements, Bolkiah's fortune is mostly inherited. The Brunei royal family's vast holdings include oil and gas reserves, luxury properties, and investments that dwarf 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 crafted their wealth through football, fashion, and media ventures.

David's playing career, which included 115 caps for and multiple league titles, laid the foundation. His post-retirement endeavours, including co-owning and securing high-profile sponsorships with brands like Adidas and Haig Club, have significantly boosted their fortune.

Victoria's fashion empire, particularly her eponymous label, has added further millions, with the couple's business acumen evident in their £70m in company assets and £40m in dividends over recent years.

Bolkiah, however, operates in a different realm. His wealth allows for a lifestyle that includes private jets and supercars, making the Beckhams' collection of Bentleys and Range Rovers seem modest by comparison.

While David and Victoria's - which includes a Notting Hill townhouse, a mansion in the Cotswolds and a Miami penthouse - is enviable, Bolkiah's access to palatial residences across Brunei and beyond is unparalleled. Yet, despite his riches, Bolkiah remains relatively low-profile in football, focusing on his career in Thailand and with the Brunei national team rather than chasing global stardom.

He currently plays for Ratchaburi, having joined them from fellow Thai League 1 outfit Chonburi in 2023. Prior to that, he was contracted to Portuguese club Maritimo, but failed to make a senior appearance for the team.

Bolkiah spent the bulk of his youth career in England, firstly with , then and later . However, he wasn't able to earn a professional contract - despite being an international footballer (he's earned six caps for Brunei) since 2016.

The contrast between Bolkiah and Beckham highlights different paths to wealth in football. While David represent the pinnacle of self-made success, leveraging talent and branding to amass a fortune, Bolkiah embodies a rare intersection of sport and inherited wealth, where football is a passion rather than a financial necessity.

As Sir David basks in the glow of his knighthood, his and Victoria's £500m empire, though impressive, is a mere fraction of Bolkiah's billions, underscoring the extraordinary scale of the Brunei prince's wealth.

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