Faiq Bolkiah, a 24-year-old midfielder, is the world's richest footballer with a net worth of $20 billion (£16 billion), far surpassing the combined wealth of Cristiano Ronaldo ($490 million) and Lionel Messi ($600 million). Bolkiah is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, and was born into immense wealth.
Despite his fortune, Bolkiah has pursued a football career. He trained at academies of Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester City, but never broke into the first team at Leicester despite a contract extension. He then moved to Portugal's Maritimo, but only made three senior appearances for their B team.
Bolkiah expressed regret about the Maritimo move, stating he was promised playing time that didn't materialise. He said: 'I definitely regret moving there. I feel like there was a lot of politics... I didn’t feel like they were being fully honest.'
He now plays for Thai side Chonburi, becoming the first Brunei player in the country. While not on high wages there, he can rely on his family's wealth after retirement.
