From the Thai League to Brunei’s national side, Faiq Bolkiah is again available to move. The 28-year-old forward has left Ratchaburi after the end of his contract and can now speak to clubs as a free agent.
His football future draws unusual attention because of the wealth attached to his name. Bolkiah is widely described as the richest footballer in the world, with an estimated fortune of €18.698 billion, roughly R$110 billion.
Quick facts
- Faiq Bolkiah is 28 and currently without a club.
- His Ratchaburi deal has concluded after a spell in Thailand’s top division.
- He has played professionally in Portugal and Thailand.
- Bolkiah has made six appearances for Brunei and is the national team captain.
- He was born in Los Angeles on 9 May 1998.
The reported fortune is not the result of his playing career. Bolkiah is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah and a nephew of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, placing him within the country’s royal family.
Born in the United States, he spent his formative years between Brunei and England before committing to football. His academy route took him through AFC Newbury, Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester City.
The senior game has offered a more modest path. Bolkiah has represented Marítimo in Portugal, then Chonburi and Ratchaburi in Thailand, with the latter now bringing his latest club chapter to a close.
Internationally, he remains an important figure for Brunei. Despite having only six caps, the forward currently wears the captain’s armband for his country as he considers the next destination of a career that has travelled well beyond the scale of his club record.
