Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
When we speak of the ‘world’s richest footballer’s your mind will often be drawn to perhaps the Cristiano Ronaldo’s or the Lionel Messi’s of this world. Rightfully so as they are after all the best in the business. Perhaps those ‘outside the box’ thinkers go a little left-field and opt for a Neymar or Kylian Mbappe, both wonderfully gifted and at a high paying club in PSG and both with that all-important marketability.
Faiq Bolkiah: The Worlds Richest Footballer
Well, we’d all be wrong, whether you plump for one of those four or a ridiculously overpaid Chinese Premier League star who’s only out there for the payday, each and every one of them pales in comparison to Faiq Bolkiah.
Never heard of him? Not many have. That does not stop him from being the world’s richest footballer however, By some margin as well.
The Brunei international is the son of the Prince of Brunei Jefri Bolkiah and the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah – who is worth an eye-watering $20billion [£16billion]. With that kind of money swilling around in the family bank account, you’d have to question why any kin would even attempt to forge a career of their own.
Well, Faiq Bolkiah did just that.
Bolkiah’s career so far
The 22-year-old winger had spells with Southampton’s youth setup, before signing a two-year contract at Chelsea having impressed on trials with both Arsenal and Reading. Faiq Bolkiah: Goals, Assists, Skills
The California-born winger left Stamford Bridge in 2016 when he signed a three-year professional deal at Leicester in March 2016. A deal that was extended in the summer of 2019, although it is currently unknown where his future lies after not making an appearance in any form for the Foxes since the extension.
Up until the last 12 months, Bolkiah’s development has been impressive, featuring regularly for Leicester’s academy teams, including in the 2016/17 UEFA Youth League.
The Brunei international captain was pictured in the Foxes home kit for the club’s official Instagram page, confirming he was still apart of the setup at the Kingpower Stadium, although he hasn’t been seen in a playing capacity since.
Albeit far from a glamourous career to date for the 22-year-old there is still time to make his way at the top level. With six Brunei caps to his name and spells at high profile clubs, we may yet see the son of a Royal Prince in the Premier League.
Although, should Brendan Rodgers not see it fit to give Bolkiah a Premier League run-out, regardless of how his career pans out from here, it is safe to say Faiq Bolkiah will remain the world’s richest footballer. Even if he is playing for Ebbsfleet United.
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