Title: “Faiq Bolkiah: The Richest Footballer’s Fascinating Journey”
Introduction
In this article, we delve into the extraordinary life of Faiq Bolkiah, the richest footballer in the world. We explore his net worth, biography, family, career, and the intriguing reasons behind his choice to pursue a professional footballing career.
Biography: The Son of Brunei’s Elite
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah is not your typical football superstar. Born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, he hails from an exceptionally wealthy and influential family. Faiq’s father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is the brother of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei. In 1997, Prince Jefri was considered the world’s richest man by Forbes, with a fortune ranging from $17.6 to $20 billion.
Faiq Bolkiah profile
Full Name
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah
Nationality
Brunei Darussalam
Net worth
20 billion USD
Salary
2,900 USD (monthly)
Religion
Islam
Father
Prince Jefri Bolkiah
Current club
Chonburi FC
Closest friend
Junior Eldstall
Relationship status
Single
The Bolkiah family follows the Islamic religion and enjoys opulent lifestyles. They are known for their vast collection of expensive automobiles, including approximately 600 Rolls-Royce vehicles.
Early Life and Education
Faiq Bolkiah’s upbringing was far from ordinary. He holds dual citizenship with Brunei and the United States and received his education in England. While attending Thorngrove Preparatory School near Newbury, he developed a profound passion for football, despite his family’s opulence.
In a twist of fate, Faiq’s childhood in England was meant to assimilate him into European culture. However, it ignited his love for the beautiful game.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Football Journey
Faiq’s football journey began in England, where he impressed Coach Paul Morgan of Newbury’s youth team during his time at a youth training camp. His upbringing was marked by wealth, but Faiq remained humble and determined on the football pitch.
He later joined Southampton in 2009, experiencing a trial with Arsenal four years later. It wasn’t until a team visit to Singapore that his new teammates discovered his royal ties, as they observed the unique reactions of locals.
Faiq’s attributes as a right-footed footballer quickly became apparent. He displayed remarkable speed and skill, drawing comparisons to Theo Walcott. Faiq’s humility and commitment to the sport set him apart, despite his royal lineage.
In 2014, Faiq Bolkiah secured a two-year contract with Chelsea after impressing at the Singapore Youth Trials. During his time with the Blues, he had the opportunity to train and play alongside talented stars like Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Faiq’s journey continued as he joined Leicester City in 2015. He spent three years with the Foxes, witnessing their remarkable Premier League title triumph in 2016. Despite his royal background, Faiq never received special treatment on the field.
In 2020, Faiq Bolkiah left England and signed with Maritimo in Portugal, where he made a single appearance for the B team. Despite his limited time in Portugal, he was well-received by his teammates, demonstrating both talent and humility.
Current Endeavors
As of May 2022, Faiq Bolkiah plies his trade as a left winger for Chonburi FC in the Thai League. This phase of his career has seen him assist in numerous goals, marking the pinnacle of his professional football journey.
The strong ties between the Thai and Brunei royal families facilitated his move to Chonburi. Faiq continues to chase his football dreams, not relying on his family’s wealth.
Faiq Bolkiah’s Astounding Wealth
As one of the heirs to the throne of the Sultan of Brunei, Faiq Bolkiah boasts a staggering net worth of $20 billion (£16 billion). This makes him the richest footballer globally, surpassing the combined wealth of iconic players like Messi and Ronaldo, estimated at $1 billion.
Faiq’s immense wealth was evident when he made his under-23 debut for Brunei in Singapore. He had his personal bodyguards, and an act of imperial majesty involved removing the plasters from his feet. Despite his riches, he chose to live with his team at the hotel, displaying his humility.
Why Does Faiq Bolkiah Play Football?
Faiq’s decision to pursue a football career, despite his immense wealth, may seem puzzling. However, it’s a testament to his personal ambition and desire to achieve something beyond his family’s opulence.
In his own words, Faiq expressed his motivation: “I want my family to be proud of me. It inspires me. They consistently encourage me to improve. When I get good news, I always rush to them. Additionally, I want to honor Brunei on the soccer pitch.”
Faiq Bolkiah’s Lifestyle
Despite his enormous wealth, Faiq maintains a surprisingly modest lifestyle. In an interview, he mentioned that he cannot even spend his monthly salary of $2,900 USD. He leads a simple life and is passionate about Korean film series. He also has a penchant for exotic pets like tigers and leopards.
Home and Cars
Faiq Bolkiah currently resides in a modest condo in Chonburi, Thailand, with a monthly rent of around $170 USD. In a striking contrast to his wealth, he drives a Toyota Yaris to training.
Relationship Status
When asked about his relationship status in a rare interview, Faiq Bolkiah revealed that he is single and not focusing on love at the moment. His primary focus remains on achieving his professional football goals.
Family and Scandal
Faiq Bolkiah’s father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, was once named Minister of Finance of Brunei but became embroiled in a massive financial scandal in 1998. This scandal involved the misappropriation of over $10 billion from Brunei’s treasury and a lavish lifestyle that included extravagant purchases, mistresses, and even paying Michael Jackson $17 million to perform at his 50th birthday party.
Despite the scandal and controversy, Faiq Bolkiah’s journey in football has been marked by his own determination and humility, setting him apart from the shadows of his family’s past.
In conclusion, Faiq Bolkiah’s story is a captivating tale of a young footballer who, despite being the richest in the sport, remains grounded and determined to make his mark on the field. His journey is a testament to the enduring power of passion and ambition in the world of football.
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