Faiq Bolkiah is often regarded as the richest footballer in the world, but not necessarily because of his football career. Born into the royal family of Brunei, Faiq’s wealth is largely attributed to his royal lineage, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in sports. While his net worth may not be solely tied to his football accomplishments, Faiq’s career has seen him playing for clubs such as Leicester City, Chelsea, and Maritimo.
In this article, we’ll explore Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth, examining how his royal fortune intertwines with his professional football career and the impact of his unique position in the world of sports.
Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
Faiq Bolkiah, born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah and the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the ruling monarch of Brunei. From a young age, Faiq was introduced to football and developed a passion for the sport, leading him to pursue a career as a professional footballer. His dual identity as a footballer and a royal has always been a point of intrigue.
While many assume Faiq’s football career to be driven by passion rather than financial need, his time spent playing in various football academies, including those of Chelsea and Leicester City, proved his dedication to the sport. Nevertheless, Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth is overwhelmingly influenced by his royal lineage rather than his earnings as a football player.
Faiq is often called the wealthiest footballer in the world due to his family’s immense fortune, which has created a distinct narrative around his football journey. While he hasn’t played for the world’s top clubs, his presence in football has not gone unnoticed.
How Did Faiq Bolkiah Accumulate His Wealth?
Royal Wealth
Faiq Bolkiah’s immense wealth stems primarily from his royal background. His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, and his uncle, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, are known for their immense wealth, which comes from Brunei’s oil and gas reserves. The Brunei royal family is one of the wealthiest in the world, and Faiq’s position as a royal prince has made him an heir to this substantial fortune.
Football Career
Despite his royal fortune, Faiq has pursued football as a career. He began his football journey in England, joining the youth academies of Southampton, Chelsea, and later Leicester City. Though his football career has been modest compared to his wealth, it has provided him with a platform to explore his passion for the sport. His stints with the academies of prestigious clubs have solidified his status as a professional footballer.
Sponsorships and Endorsements
Given Faiq Bolkiah’s unique profile as both a royal and a footballer, he has attracted attention from brands. However, his endorsements and sponsorships are modest compared to other top footballers, primarily because his football career has not reached the same heights as that of players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Faiq Jefri Bolkiah |
| Age | 25 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Footballer |
| Family | Royal Family of Brunei |
| Net Worth | $20 Billion |
Why Is Faiq Bolkiah’s Net Worth So High?
Faiq Bolkiah’s staggering net worth of around $20 billion is attributed to the following factors:
- Royal Inheritance: The vast majority of Faiq’s wealth is tied to the Brunei royal family’s fortune, making him an heir to one of the largest personal fortunes in the world.
- Brunei’s Oil and Gas Wealth: The Brunei royal family controls a significant portion of the nation’s oil and gas reserves, which generate immense revenue for the family.
- Limited Reliance on Football Earnings: While Faiq’s football earnings contribute to his overall income, they are relatively minor compared to his royal inheritance.
These factors place Faiq among the wealthiest athletes globally, though his wealth is not primarily derived from sports.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Football Career: Is It About Passion or Money?
Faiq Bolkiah’s journey in football has always been a topic of curiosity. Given his immense wealth, many wonder whether his football career is motivated by passion or a desire for recognition outside of his royal identity.
His Football Journey:
Faiq began playing football in his youth and later joined the academies of several renowned clubs, including Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester City. While he didn’t break into the first team at these clubs, his dedication to football was evident. Eventually, Faiq moved to Maritimo in Portugal, where he sought to develop his skills further.
Despite his limited success in football, Faiq’s passion for the game appears genuine. His decision to pursue a football career, despite not needing to, speaks to his love for the sport.
Passion Over Wealth:
For Faiq, football isn’t about money. His net worth would allow him to live a life of luxury without ever stepping foot on the pitch. Instead, football represents an opportunity for Faiq to carve out his identity and follow his passion.
What is Faiq Bolkiah’s Net Worth in 2024?
Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the sports world. His fortune comes from his royal inheritance, not from his professional football career. Despite his modest football earnings, his royal wealth ensures that he remains among the richest athletes globally.
Net Worth Breakdown:
- Royal Inheritance: $19.9 billion
- Football Earnings: Estimated to be under $1 million annually
- Sponsorships: Modest compared to top footballers but adds to his earnings
Conclusion
Faiq Bolkiah stands out as a unique figure in the world of sports, not because of his football achievements, but due to his extraordinary wealth. With a net worth estimated at $20 billion, he is the wealthiest footballer globally, even though his earnings from football are comparatively modest.
As Faiq continues his journey in football, it’s clear that his passion for the sport drives him more than any financial incentive. While his royal inheritance guarantees a lifetime of wealth, his commitment to football showcases his determination to succeed in his chosen field.
FAQ’s
Q. What teams has Faiq Bolkiah played for?
A. Faiq Bolkiah has played for Southampton, Chelsea, Leicester City youth academies, and the Portuguese club Maritimo.
Q. How does Faiq Bolkiah make his money?
A. Most of Faiq Bolkiah’s wealth comes from his family’s royal fortune, with his football earnings making up a small portion of his income.
Q. Is Faiq Bolkiah still playing football?
A. Yes, Faiq Bolkiah continues to pursue a professional football career, having most recently played for Maritimo in Portugal.
