Faiq Bolkiah, a member of the Brunei royal family and professional footballer, is estimated to have a net worth of $20 billion, making him the richest footballer in the world. whereas Lionel Messi is estimated to be worth $620 million, and Cristiano Ronaldo is estimated to be worth $690 million.
His immense wealth comes primarily from his family’s fortune. His father, Jefri Bolkiah, is the brother of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and one of the richest people in the world. The Bolkiah family controls Brunei’s vast oil and gas reserves, which have generated immense wealth for them over the years.
Faiq’s own football career has not been as successful as his financial standing. He has played for several clubs, including Chelsea, Leicester City, and Maritimo, but has not yet established himself as a top player. However, his talent and pedigree have ensured that he remains a highly sought-after player, and he currently plays for Thai League 1 club Chonburi.
Faiq Bolkiah Early Life
Faiq Bolkiah, often referred to as the “richest footballer in the world,” was born into a life of immense privilege. His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is the brother of the Sultan of Brunei, making Faiq a member of the Bruneian royal family. His mother, Pengiran Anak Soraya, is also a member of Bruneian royalty.
Faiq’s early life was steeped in luxury. He was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1998, and spent his childhood globetrotting between Brunei, the United Kingdom, and other exotic locations. He received a private education at prestigious schools like Bradfield College in England, and his upbringing was filled with extravagant experiences.
Despite his privileged background, Faiq developed a passion for football at a young age. He began playing competitively at the age of seven, and his talent was quickly recognized. In 2009, at the age of 11, he signed his first professional contract with the English club AFC Newbury. This marked the beginning of his journey in the world of professional football.
Faiq’s early life was a unique blend of royal privilege and sporting ambition. He navigated the worlds of wealth and competition, laying the foundation for his future as a professional footballer.
| Name | Faiq Bolkiah |
| Date of birth | May 5, 1998 |
| Age | 25 years old |
| Place of birth | Brunei |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Net Worth | $20 Billion |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current team | Leicester City |
| Squad number | 29 |
| Nationality | Bruneian |
Faiq Bolkiah Career
Faiq Bolkiah is a Bruneian professional footballer who plays as a winger for the Thai club Ratchaburi FC and the Brunei national team. He is a member of the Brunei royal family, the son of Jefri Bolkiah, Prince of Brunei.
Bolkiah began his career at the AFC Newbury academy in England, before moving to Southampton in 2009. He then had stints at Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leicester City, but failed to make a senior appearance for any of these clubs. In 2020, he signed for Marítimo in Portugal, but again struggled for playing time. He finally found some success in Thailand, joining Chonburi in 2021 and scoring his first professional goal in December of that year. In June 2023, he signed for Ratchaburi FC.
Bolkiah made his senior international debut for Brunei in 2016 and has since gone on to captain the national team. He is considered one of the most talented footballers in Southeast Asia, but his career has been hampered by injuries and a lack of consistent playing time at club level.
Faiq Bolkiah Career Achievements
| Competition | Age | Club/Team | Achievement |
| Brunei U17 National Team | 15 | – | Led Brunei to victory in the 2014 AFF U16 Youth Championship |
| Southampton FC Academy | 16-18 | Southampton FC | Scored 11 goals in 24 appearances for the U18s |
| Chelsea FC Academy | 19-21 | Chelsea FC | Loaned to Leicester City U23s and NAC Breda |
| Leicester City U23s | 19 | Leicester City | Made 4 appearances in the Premier League 2 |
| NAC Breda | 20 | NAC Breda (loan) | Made 2 appearances in the Dutch Eredivisie |
| Marítimo | 21-present | Marítimo | Made 13 appearances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga |
| Brunei National Team | 18-present | Brunei National Team | Represented Brunei in the AFF Championship, AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers |
| Individual Awards | – | – | – |
| * AFF U16 Youth Championship Golden Ball (2014) | 15 | Brunei U17 National Team | Awarded for outstanding performance in the tournament |
| * AFC Asian Cup U23 Best Young Player (2018) | 21 | Brunei National Team | Recognized as the most promising young player in the competition |
Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth in 2024
Faiq Bolkiah net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $20 billion, making him the richest footballer in the world. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the exact figure is difficult to determine due to the nature of his family’s wealth and business ventures.
Also check out Ryan Giggs Net Worth in 2024.
Faiq Bolkiah Salary
Most sources estimate his salary to be around $2,900 per month, which is a far cry from the millions earned by top players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, it’s important to remember that Faiq’s wealth comes from his family, not his football career. He’s not playing for the money, and his salary likely reflects that.
Faiq Bolkiah Endorsements
- Puma: Bolkiah signed a sponsorship deal with Puma in 2013, at the age of 17. He has since worn Puma boots and apparel in both his professional and personal life.
- Red Bull: Bolkiah is also a sponsored athlete for Red Bull, and has appeared in several of the energy drink company’s marketing campaigns.
- Richard Mille: Bolkiah is a brand ambassador for the Swiss luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. He has worn several of the company’s high-end watches, including the RM 52-01 Tourbillon Chronograph.
- AirAsia: In 2016, Bolkiah was named an ambassador for AirAsia, the Malaysian budget airline. He has since appeared in several of the airline’s commercials.
In addition to these brand endorsements, Bolkiah has also been involved in a number of other marketing and promotional campaigns. For example, he has appeared in commercials for the Brunei Ministry of Tourism, and has also been featured in articles and interviews for a number of high-profile magazines and websites.
How Faiq Bolkiah Spend His Money?
Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei and arguably the richest footballer in the world, has a unique and often enigmatic spending style. While details of his exact expenditures are private, here’s a glimpse into what we know:
Luxury Lifestyle
- Cars: His family is known for a lavish car collection, with his father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, reportedly owning over 2,300 cars at one point. While Faiq’s personal collection is unknown, it’s likely he enjoys access to luxury vehicles.
- Travel: He has been spotted on private jets and yachts, including the infamous “Tits” owned by his father. He also travels frequently for football and personal reasons.
- Fashion: He has a penchant for designer clothing and accessories, often sporting high-end brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
- Properties: Although details are scarce, rumors suggest he owns several properties in Brunei and other countries.
Beyond the Material
- Football: Despite his wealth, Faiq pursues his passion for football professionally. He has played for clubs like Chelsea, Southampton, Leicester City, and Chonburi FC, showing dedication to the sport.
- Charity: He is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes like education and animal welfare.
- Private Life: It’s important to remember that Faiq is a private individual, and much of his spending remains confidential. He likely enjoys experiences and investments beyond what is publicly known.
FAQs about Faiq Bolkiah
Q: How much is Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth?
A: Estimates vary, but most sources place Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth somewhere around $20 billion USD. This makes him the richest footballer in the world, far surpassing the wealth of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Q: Where does his wealth come from?
A: Bolkiah’s immense wealth comes primarily from his family’s fortune. He is a member of the royal family of Brunei, whose Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, controls a large portion of the country’s oil and gas resources. Bolkiah is also heir to a substantial portion of the family’s wealth.
Q: Does he earn anything from playing football?
A: Yes, Bolkiah does receive a salary for playing football, but it’s relatively modest compared to his family’s wealth. His current salary with Maritimo, a Portuguese club, is reportedly around $2,900 per month.
Q: Is his net worth accurate?
A: Due to the private nature of the royal family’s finances, it’s difficult to say with certainty what Bolkiah’s exact net worth is. However, the estimated figure of $20 billion is based on information about the Brunei royal family’s wealth and Bolkiah’s position within it.
Q: Is he a successful footballer?
A: While Bolkiah has played for several professional clubs, including Chelsea and Leicester City, he has not achieved the same level of success as some of the world’s top footballers. He has struggled to secure regular playing time and hasn’t yet made a significant impact on the international stage.
