World's Richest Footballer: Bolkiah's £15bn Move

Faiq Bolkiah

In the glamorous world of football, where fortunes are made on the field, one player stands out not just for his skills but also for his incredible wealth: Faiq Bolkiah, the nephew of Brunei's Sultan and heir to a family empire valued at over £15 billion. Once a promising talent in Chelsea's youth academy, Bolkiah is now making headlines again as he eyes a January transfer to India's M-League with Brunei side DPMM FC, following his release from Thai club Ratchaburi. At 27, his journey from royal luxury to professional grit is a fascinating story of determination amid unimaginable riches. Let's explore Bolkiah's extraordinary life, his football career, and what this latest move means for the sport's wealthiest athlete.

Faiq Bolkiah's net worth doesn't come from endorsement deals or match bonuses—it's inherited from one of the wealthiest families in the world. As the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who governs Brunei and has a personal fortune of about £37 billion, Faiq is part of a dynasty that controls huge oil and gas reserves, luxury hotels, and even a fleet of private jets. Estimates place his own wealth at over £15 billion (or $20 billion USD), far exceeding the combined net worths of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo (£500 million) and Lionel Messi (£600 million).

Despite this wealth—think owning tigers as pets and a palace with 1,788 rooms—Bolkiah has chosen the humble path of professional football. "I have 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," he once shared, emphasizing his passion over privilege.

Bolkiah's football journey started in England, where he developed his skills in the youth programs of Southampton and Chelsea. While at Stamford Bridge from 2009 to 2013, he trained alongside future stars like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham, earning praise for his humility and work ethic. Coaches described him as "very motivated" and unassuming, never flaunting his royal status.

After Chelsea, Bolkiah signed a four-year deal with Leicester City in 2016 but never made it to the senior team. He then moved to Portugal's Marítimo, where he played a few reserve games before heading to Asia. In Thailand, he played for Chonburi FC and later Ratchaburi, scoring occasionally but gaining valuable experience. Internationally, he's earned six caps for Brunei, captaining the team and scoring a goal against Timor-Leste.

Although his on-field achievements haven't matched his wealth, Bolkiah's persistence is commendable. He's refused lucrative offers to earn his spot through merit, demonstrating that even billionaires pursue their dreams.

Fresh off his release from Ratchaburi, Bolkiah is ready for a new chapter in India's emerging M-League with Brunei-based DPMM FC during the January transfer window. This move could bring star power to the league, combining Bolkiah's international profile with DPMM's goals. While details are still being worked out, it's a strategic change that keeps him in competitive soccer and connected to his Bruneian roots.

At 27, Bolkiah still has room to advance further. Whether this move rekindles his career or becomes just another adventure, it highlights his dedication to the game over quick riches.

Bolkiah's story goes beyond sports—it's about challenging expectations. Raised in luxury, he could have relaxed in mansions, but instead, he's faced the struggles of lower-league football. His Instagram snapshots of a jet-set life contrast with training clips, showing a man balancing two worlds.

This transfer could motivate young players from wealthy backgrounds, showing that passion beats privilege. For football, Bolkiah's involvement adds a special story, reminding us that the beautiful game is open to everyone—even billionaires.

As Bolkiah prepares for his next move, the football world watches with curiosity. Will he finally shine on a larger stage, or keep quietly chasing glory?