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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Dylan James

World's richest footballer is worth 15 times more than Cristiano Ronaldo despite new £173 million-a-year deal

The world's richest footballer is still worth 15 times more than Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed the biggest ever football contract with Al Nassr.

Ronaldo's contract with Manchester United was terminated after an explosive interview with Piers Morgan, where he criticised the club and manager Eric ten Hag. The legendary forward played with Portugal at the World Cup and was without a club for the duration.

The Real Madrid icon has now signed a £173 million-per-year contract with Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr, which means his net worth could triple if he stays for the duration of his seven-year contract. However, his net worth is still some way off Faiq Bolkiah.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo to be paid reported £173m-a-year as he signs for Al Nassr after Manchester United exit

Bolkiah is the world's richest footballer, but his money doesn't come from his playing salary. Bolkiah is the son of Jefri Bolkiah, Prince of Brunei, whose uncle is the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, an oil tycoon. The 24-year-old was therefore born into £20 billion of wealth.

Bolkiah had stints with a host of top English sides, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Reading. He signed his first professional contract in 2016 with Leicester City, but he now plays in Thailand with Chonburi FC.

£64 million of Ronaldo's yearly wage will be his actual playing salary, whereas the remainder will be down to image rights and commercial deals, along with the agreement that he is an ambassador for Saudi Arabia in their bid to host the 2030 World Cup.

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