Faiq Bolkiah: The Footballer Who Tops the Wealth Charts.
Move aside, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – there's a new player in town claiming the title of the world's richest footballer, and his name is Faiq Bolkiah. At just 24 years old, he laces up his boots for Chonburi FC in the Thai first division.
Faiq's remarkable wealth, estimated at a staggering $20 billion, can be attributed to his family ties as the nephew of Hassanal Bolkiah, the current Sultan of Brunei. This financial standing easily propels him to the coveted position of the wealthiest footballer on the planet.
Despite being part of the esteemed Bruneian Royal Family, Faiq's heart lies on the football field, where he strives to carve his own legacy in the sport.
Born in sunny Los Angeles, Bolkiah spent his formative years honing his football skills with several top-tier clubs in England. In 2014, his journey led him to Chelsea, where he continued to refine his abilities as a youth player.
In 2016, Faiq took his talents to Leicester City, inking a three-year contract with the club. While he didn't secure a spot in the first team, he played a vital role in the development squad. After his time at Leicester City concluded, Faiq ventured to Portugal and signed with Marítimo in September 2020.
Despite being eligible to represent the United States, Faiq opted to don the jersey of Brunei, earning six caps and one goal for his national team.
Today, Faiq showcases his football skills with the Thai club Chonburi. Yet, even if his professional football career doesn't reach the heights he aspires to, the 25-year-old has a substantial fortune and an illustrious royal lineage to rely on.
Beyond the football pitch, Faiq also dabbles in modeling and has gained recognition as an Instagram influencer with an impressive 243,000 followers.
With his royal bloodline and footballing talent, Faiq serves as a reminder that while money isn't everything in sports, it certainly grabs headlines.