Who is Faiq Bolkiah: Meet the Richest Footballer in the World
When discussing the richest footballer in the world, names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and David Beckham often come to mind. However, these global superstars, despite their massive earnings, do not top the list.
Richest Footballer in the world? The title of the richest footballer in the world belongs to Faiq Bolkiah, a name less familiar to many but tied to extraordinary wealth.
Faiq Bolkiah: The Background of Richest Footballer in the World
Royal Family of Brunei
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah, born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, is a member of the Brunei royal family. He is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah and nephew of Hassanal Bolkiah, the current Sultan of Brunei.
This connection places him within one of the wealthiest royal families globally, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion.
Early Life and Love for Football
Raised in Berkshire, England, Bolkiah developed a passion for football playing for local teams. Despite his royal lineage, his early life was far from the lavish expectations one might have.
His journey into professional football began with AFC Newbury, where his talent started to shine. Bolkiah’s grounded nature and love for the sport set him apart from others with similar backgrounds.
Faiq Bolkiah: Club Career
Early Career
Bolkiah received a one-year contract with the Southampton Academy while still playing for AFC Newbury in 2009. He continued with Southampton till at least December 2011.
Bolkiah signed a two-year youth deal with Premier League club Chelsea in 2014, having previously practiced with Reading and tried at Arsenal.
Bolkiah played in the 2013 Lion City Cup against Corinthians, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSV, and a Singapore junior squad, scoring a goal in a 2-1 victory.
With his contract with Chelsea planned to end in summer 2016, he left the club in December 2015. After a trial with Stoke City, he joined Leicester City on an alleged three-year professional contract in March 2016, which was renewed for another year in the summer of 2019.
Faiq Bolkiah joined Marítimo of Portugal’s Primeira Liga on September 23, 2020. In December, he made his debut for the under-23 team, followed by Marítimo B in April of 2021.
He joined Thai League 1 club Chonburi in December 2021, becoming the league’s first Bruneian player, and scored his first goal on November 25, 2022. He left Chonburi in May 2023.
On June 16, 2023, Ratchaburi signed Bolkiah. He debuted on August 19, 2023, and scored his first goal for the club on September 16, 2023, in a 6–1 victory over Police Tero.
Richest Footballer in the World: International Career
Bolkiah was able to represent both the United States and Brunei. He was recruited for the young teams of the United States but chosen to represent Brunei, doing so at the U19 and U23 levels, specifically at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games where he struck in a 1–2 defeat to Timor Leste.
He made his senior-level international debut against Timor-Leste on October 15, 2016, and played the entire 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory.
Faiq Bolkiah: Personal Reflections
Impact of Injuries
Like many athletes, Bolkiah’s career has been marred by injuries. A particularly severe leg injury in a Thai League 1 fixture sidelined him, highlighting the physical risks associated with professional sports. Despite this setback, Bolkiah’s love for football and his determination to return to the pitch remain strong.
Reflections from Coaches and Peers
Former coaches and teammates describe Bolkiah as humble and grounded, qualities that are admirable given his privileged background.
Paul Morgan, his coach during his time with the Newbury youth setup, stated, “You couldn’t have come across a more normal kid. He wasn’t affected by his privileged background at all.”
Why Faiq Bolkiah is the Richest Footballer in the World?
The Source of His Wealth
Faiq Bolkiah’s wealth is not derived from his footballing exploits but from his royal heritage. The Sultan of Brunei, his uncle, oversees a fortune amassed through the country’s vast oil and gas resources.
Bolkiah’s net worth is estimated at over £16 billion ($20 billion), a figure that dwarfs the earnings of even the most successful footballers.
Playing Football Out of Passion
This immense wealth has allowed Bolkiah to pursue football not out of necessity but out of sheer passion. Unlike many professional athletes who rely on their sports careers for financial stability, Bolkiah’s financial security is guaranteed, allowing him to play the sport without the usual pressures.
The Future of the Richest Footballer in the World
Looking Ahead
The future for Bolkiah remains open. While his club career hasn’t followed a traditional path, his role in international football and his influence in Brunei’s footballing landscape are significant.
Whether he continues to pursue opportunities in different leagues or focuses on contributing to his national team, Bolkiah’s journey will be closely watched by those who know his story.
Faiq Bolkiah, the richest footballer in the world, represents a fascinating intersection of wealth, passion, and sport.
His journey through various football academies and professional clubs, combined with his significant role in Brunei’s national team, paints a picture of a young man driven by love for the game rather than financial gain.
As he continues to navigate his footballing career, Bolkiah remains a unique figure whose story challenges the conventional narratives of wealth and success in sports.
FAQ’s on Richest Footballer in the World
Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
- Faiq Jefri Bolkiah is a member of the Brunei royal family, born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California.
Why is Faiq Bolkiah considered the richest footballer in the world?
- His estimated net worth is around $20 billion, attributed to his royal heritage as a member of the Brunei royal family.
Who is the richest footballer in the world?
- The title of the richest footballer in the world was often attributed to Faiq Bolkiah, a member of the Brunei royal family, due to his family’s vast wealth.
Who is the second richest footballer in the world?
- Lionel Messi is often considered one of the wealthiest footballers, with an estimated net worth of around $600 million.
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