World’s Richest Footballer: Chelsea “Reject” Who Outshines Messi and Ronaldo
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are household names in football, known not just for their skills but also for their immense wealth. Yet, their combined net worth of over £1.32 billion is dwarfed by the staggering fortune of a former Chelsea academy player—Faiq Bolkiah.
At just 26 years old, Bolkiah boasts a reported net worth of £16 billion ($20 billion), more than 12 times the combined wealth of Messi and Ronaldo. But who is this billionaire footballer, and how did he go from Chelsea’s youth ranks to the footballing fringes?
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Legacy of Wealth
Faiq Bolkiah, nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, is among the prospective heirs to a fortune worth a jaw-dropping £200 billion. Born in Los Angeles, Bolkiah grew up with dual American and Bruneian nationality and a passion for football, which led him to pursue a professional career despite his unparalleled financial security.
Bolkiah began his football journey at grassroots level with Newbury before joining the youth setups of Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester City. However, he never broke into the senior teams at these clubs.
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Professional Career Journey
In 2020, Bolkiah signed his first professional contract with Portuguese club Maritimo. Despite the promise, he made only one appearance for their U23 side and left the club without making a senior team debut.
The following year, he moved to Thailand to join Chonburi FC, where he finally found regular playing time. Across 32 matches, he scored twice and provided four assists, showcasing glimpses of his potential. In 2023, Bolkiah signed with Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC, where he continues his football journey.
International Career
Bolkiah has represented Brunei at the international level, earning six caps and scoring one goal. His passion for football remains evident, even as his royal lineage overshadows his playing career.
Life in the Chelsea Academy
Bolkiah spent time in Chelsea’s youth system, rubbing shoulders with future stars like Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham. According to former teammate Ruben Sammut, Bolkiah was grounded and humble despite his royal heritage.
“You’d never think he was royalty,” Sammut told The Athletic. “He was a humble guy, just trying every day like everyone else. We joked about his wealth, but deep down, we knew how much he loved football.”
The Love of the Game
While many would assume Bolkiah’s wealth negates the need for a football career, his journey reveals a deep passion for the sport. Despite the odds and the privilege of being one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, Bolkiah continues to play professionally, showing that his love for football surpasses any financial incentive.
A Unique Legacy
Faiq Bolkiah’s story is a testament to the idea that money doesn’t define passion. While Messi and Ronaldo’s footballing achievements have made them icons of the game, Bolkiah’s journey, fueled by love for football, is an inspiring tale of determination and humility.
Would Bolkiah’s story have been different if he broke into the Premier League? Only time will tell if his name will be remembered for more than his wealth, but one thing is certain—he’s playing for the love of the game.
World’s Richest Footballer: Chelsea “Reject” Who Outshines Messi and Ronaldo
