Faiq Bolkiah may not be a household name in global football, but he holds the title of the richest footballer in the world. A winger by trade, he plays professionally in Thailand for Ratchaburi FC, and is also the captain of the Brunei national team. Born into one of the wealthiest royal families on the planet, Faiq’s life and career blend opulence, resilience, and a deep love for football. His story isn’t just about money—it’s about chasing dreams, even when the world expects you to live a life of luxury instead.
Despite being born in Los Angeles in 1998, Faiq grew up with a strong connection to Brunei, where his family holds immense political and economic power. His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, once controlled a massive portion of Brunei's wealth, and his uncle is the current Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah. Yet, instead of resting on his family’s fortune, Faiq chose to pursue football—a decision that’s made him a unique figure in the world of sports.
Over the years, Faiq has played for youth academies of elite clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Leicester City. His journey has been anything but typical. From breaking into Thai football to recovering from a serious leg injury, his path shows a determination that goes beyond privilege. In this article, we take a closer look at who Faiq Bolkiah really is, his background, career highlights, and why his story continues to capture attention around the globe.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Faiq Bolkiah
- Early Life and Royal Background
- Football Career: From Leicester City to Ratchaburi
- Injury and Return to the Pitch
- Personal Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Faiq Bolkiah
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah is a professional footballer from Brunei who currently plays as a winger for Ratchaburi FC in the Thai League. He is also the captain of the Brunei national team, representing his home country with pride despite the immense wealth and privilege he was born into. His football career has taken him from England’s elite youth academies to the pitch in Southeast Asia, where he continues to work hard to prove himself as a player, not just a royal heir.
Beyond his football boots and club shirts, Faiq’s life is steeped in royal history and affluence. As the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, who once controlled billions in assets, and the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Faiq could have lived a life far removed from sport. Yet, he chose the football field over the palace, showing that even in the rarest of circumstances, passion can drive ambition.
Early Life and Royal Background
Faiq Bolkiah was born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California. His family, however, traces its roots back to Brunei, where his uncle is the reigning Sultan. Growing up, he had access to the finest education, resources, and lifestyle, yet he gravitated toward football. His early years were shaped by international moves, private schooling, and a lifestyle that most people only dream about.
Still, Faiq wasn’t just a royal kid with a ball at his feet—he was a talented player. His skills caught the attention of European clubs, which led to his move to England. There, he joined the youth academy of Chelsea, later moving to Arsenal, and eventually Leicester City, where he trained with the Premier League side. His upbringing was anything but ordinary, yet he always seemed to want to carve out a path on the field, not just in the palace.
Football Career: From Leicester City to Ratchaburi
Despite being born into extreme wealth, Faiq Bolkiah’s football career has been marked by hard work, perseverance, and a desire to be taken seriously as a player. He joined Leicester City’s youth academy in 2016, where he trained alongside future Premier League stars. Though he never played a senior match for the club, his time in England helped shape his development as a player.
After a brief stint with CS Marítimo in Portugal, Faiq moved to Thailand, where he joined Chonburi FC in 2022. By 2023, he had made the move to Ratchaburi FC, a club that competes in the Thai League 1. He plays as a left winger and has been praised for his pace, dribbling, and crossing ability. While he may not be a global star, his presence in Thai football has brought attention not just because of his wealth, but because of his dedication to improving on the pitch.
Learn more about Faiq Bolkiah’s stats and career progression here.
Injury and Return to the Pitch
In a cruel twist of fate, Faiq suffered a devastating leg injury in 2024 that kept him off the field for nearly a full year. For a player who already faces immense scrutiny due to his background, this injury was a major setback. But instead of stepping away, he focused on recovery, showing a resilience that many had not expected from someone born into such wealth.
By the spring of 2025, Faiq had returned to competitive action with Ratchaburi. His comeback was emotional and marked a turning point in how he’s viewed—not just as a rich kid playing football, but as a committed athlete who’s willing to fight through adversity. His return to the pitch was more than just a comeback game; it was proof that he wasn’t just going through the motions.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Faiq Jefri Bolkiah |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 9, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | Bruneian and American |
| Position | Winger (Left) |
| Current Club | Ratchaburi FC (Thai League 1) |
| Previous Clubs | Chonburi FC, CS Marítimo, Leicester City (youth), Arsenal (youth), Chelsea (youth) |
| Family | Son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, Nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be in the billions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Faiq Bolkiah?
Faiq Bolkiah is a professional footballer from Brunei who plays as a winger for Ratchaburi FC in the Thai League. He is also the captain of the Brunei national team and is known for being the richest footballer in the world due to his royal background.
Is Faiq Bolkiah related to the Sultan of Brunei?
Yes, Faiq Bolkiah is the nephew of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, is the younger brother of the Sultan and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
Has Faiq Bolkiah played in the Premier League?
While Faiq Bolkiah trained with Premier League club Leicester City, he did not make any official appearances for the first team. He was part of their youth setup and played for their development squad during his time in England.
