When discussing the wealthiest football players globally, names like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo often come to mind.

These two superstars are not only renowned for their incredible skills on the pitch but also for their substantial off-field earnings through endorsements and business ventures.

However, the title of the richest professional football player in the world belongs to a relatively lesser-known figure: Faiq Bolkiah.

Background

Faiq Bolkiah comes from an extraordinarily affluent and influential family. His grandfather is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, and his father, Jefri Bolkiah, is a prince.

Consequently, Faiq's immense wealth primarily stems from his royal lineage rather than his football career. Born in Los Angeles, USA, Faiq holds dual citizenship, which has facilitated his pursuit of a professional football career across different continents.

Unlike most athletes who have to rely on their sports income, Faiq's financial stability has allowed him to freely chase his dreams, backed by a net worth estimated to be around 18 billion euros.

To put this staggering figure into perspective, consider that globally recognized sports figures like NBA's LeBron James or Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo possess assets slightly exceeding 1 billion euros.

Early Life and Football Career

Faiq Bolkiah's journey into professional football began early. At the age of 16, he was spotted by Chelsea's youth team in the Premier League and subsequently signed a two-year contract.

However, his stint with Chelsea ended after two years when he was released. Undeterred by this setback, Faiq joined Stoke City in the English League One, which is the third tier of English football.

Despite being relegated to the youth team, Faiq continued to persevere, determined to uphold the honor of his royal family and catch the eye of scouts from higher leagues.

His tenacity paid off when Leicester City, freshly crowned Premier League champions under the leadership of Claudio Ranieri, offered him his first professional contract.

Although this opportunity was with the reserve team, it marked a significant milestone in his career. At Leicester City, Faiq participated in the youth league and even made appearances on the club’s official website during the 2018/2019 season.

Despite the limited playing time and eventual release in June 2020, Faiq’s resolve remained unshaken.

Following his departure from Leicester City, Faiq joined CS Marítimo in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. His first season with the team saw little action, but he managed to make a couple of appearances in his second season, albeit without scoring any goals.

After two seasons, CS Marítimo also parted ways with him. His next move took him to Chonburi FC in Thailand, where he played 12 games in a year but again failed to score.

The Future of Faiq Bolkiah

Despite the setbacks in his professional football career, Faiq Bolkiah’s story is far from over. His involvement with the Brunei national team showcases his commitment to the sport and his country.

Faiq has donned the national team jersey six times, scoring a memorable goal during a penalty shootout against Macau. This solitary goal stands as a testament to his perseverance and passion for football.

While his professional career might not have reached the heights of his more famous contemporaries, Faiq’s journey is unique. He embodies the spirit of pursuing one's dreams irrespective of the financial comfort provided by his royal heritage.

His continued participation in football, despite the challenges, underscores his genuine love for the game.

Conclusion

The fact that Faiq Bolkiah is the world's richest professional footballer surprises many. His vast wealth, derived primarily from his royal background, sets him apart from his peers, who have amassed fortunes through their sports careers and associated business ventures. However, this significant financial advantage has not deterred Faiq from pursuing his passion for football.