At the mention of contemporary footballers with stupendous wealth, it is easy for the names of legends like Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe, Neymar and the likes to pop up. But, there is a manque from the middle east whose wealth is frightening. He is Faiq Bolkiah.
While Messi and Ronaldo, football icons in their own right, have found new homes in Inter Miami and Al-Nassr, securing their families’ financial futures, Faiq Bolkiah’s fortune eclipses theirs.
At 25, the Los Angeles-born player boasts a staggering net worth of £15.7 billion, making him the richest footballer globally.
What sets him apart? Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, positioning him to inherit a substantial portion of the royal family’s £200 billion fortune.
Is Faiq Made For Football Or Vanity Fair?
Despite his astronomical wealth, Bolkiah’s on-field journey in England with Leicester City and Chelsea hasn’t mirrored his financial success.
Beginning his football odyssey at 13, catching Southampton’s eye, and later joining Chelsea, Bolkiah’s notable presence emerged during a pivotal defeat for Southampton’s Under-16s against Chelsea. While not yet reaching the heights of his financial standing, Bolkiah, as a young talent, holds the potential to shape his football career.
A Glimpse into His Footballing Journey
Transitioning to Chelsea in 2014 and signing a two-year youth contract, Bolkiah’s association with Premier League clubs continued. After stints with Reading and a trial with Arsenal, he officially joined Leicester City in 2016, securing a three-year professional contract. Following an extension in 2019, Bolkiah moved to the B team of Portuguese side Marítimo in the subsequent year.
In a revealing interview with FourFourTwo, Bolkiah shared insights into his football journey.
He expressed gratitude for his parents’ unwavering support, stating:
“I’ve played football since as early as I can remember, and from a young age, I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet.”
With all the headlines about his wealth that have circulated in the past few years, it would be difficult for Faiq Bolkiah to rid himself of the reputation that his status comes with. But even so, to simply be a football player trying to make a career for himself, it will still come down to his skill rather than his status.
Culled in by Dayo Olujobi
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