Faiq Jefri Bolkiah, born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, is a Bruneian footballer and member of the Bruneian royal family. Known as one of the wealthiest young athletes in the world due to his royal heritage, Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $20 billion or more, primarily due to his family’s immense fortune.
Early Life and Background
Faiq Bolkiah was born into the Bruneian royal family. He is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the brother of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. As a member of one of the wealthiest royal families globally, Faiq grew up with immense wealth and privilege. Despite his royal status, he pursued a career in professional football, a passion he has had since childhood.
Football Career
Early Development and Youth Career
Faiq began his football journey at a young age, moving to England to develop his skills. He was part of the youth setups at several prestigious football academies, including:
- AFC Newbury: His first club, where he began showcasing his talent.
- Southampton: Faiq spent some time in the academy of this well-known English club, further honing his skills.
- Chelsea: He joined Chelsea’s youth academy in 2014, gaining experience at one of the top clubs in England.
- Leicester City: In 2016, Faiq signed with Leicester City, where he played for the club’s development squad.
Professional Career
Despite training with some of the top youth academies in England, Faiq Bolkiah’s professional career did not take off in the way many anticipated:
- Leicester City: He spent several years with Leicester City’s youth and reserve teams but did not make a first-team appearance.
- Marítimo: In 2020, Faiq moved to Portugal, signing with Marítimo in the Primeira Liga. However, his time there was also limited, and he left the club after one season.
- Chonburi FC: As of 2023, Faiq Bolkiah signed with Chonburi FC in Thailand, seeking more regular playing time and the opportunity to further develop his career.
Personal Life
Faiq Bolkiah is known not only for his football career but also for his royal lineage. As a member of the Bruneian royal family, Faiq enjoys a lifestyle that includes access to vast wealth, luxury properties, and an extensive collection of cars. Despite this, he is known for his down-to-earth attitude and dedication to his football career.
Net Worth and Financial Portfolio
Royal Wealth
Faiq Bolkiah is often described as the wealthiest footballer in the world due to his family’s immense fortune. The Bolkiah family, particularly his uncle Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, controls assets worth billions of dollars. The family’s wealth comes from the vast oil and gas reserves in Brunei.
Personal Wealth
While Faiq’s personal net worth is difficult to estimate independently of his family’s fortune, he is believed to have access to billions of dollars. His personal wealth, derived from his royal inheritance and possibly from his football contracts and endorsements, is estimated to be in the range of $20 billion or more, largely due to his family ties.
Philanthropy and Legacy
As of now, there is limited public information regarding Faiq Bolkiah’s involvement in philanthropy. However, his family has a history of charitable contributions and support for various causes in Brunei and abroad.