When you think of the world’s richest footballers your
thoughts immediately deflect to the likes of Cristiano
Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar – not a 19-year-old kid who plays in
Leicester City’s reserves.
Meet Faiq Bolkiah, nephew of the Sultan of Brunei (Hassanal
Bolkiah) – who is worth an estimated $20billion. The talented Foxes winger has been playing in England for
some time, starting his career at AFC Newbury as youngster. In 2009,
Southampton added Bolkiah to their widely-regarded academy. Despite not being
handed a contract, Arsenal offered the Bruneian a trial in 2013.
Bolkiah competed with the Gunners in the 2013 Lion City Cup
and even bagged a goal in the competition.
After being made aware of his situation, Chelsea offered the
winger a two-year deal which he promptly signed. But after just one year
Bolkiah left to join Leicester on a three-year contract.
Despite being born in Los Angeles, United States in 1998, Bolkiah
opted to play for Brunei and has represented his country nine times, scoring
once. To give you an idea of Bolkiah’s wealth you need only look
at his father, Jefri.
The Sultan of Brunei’s brother has reportedly splased out
roughly £10bn in 15 years as head of the Brunei Investment agency. And, at one point, Jefri was apparently spending a
staggering £35m a month on cars, watches and white gold pens. The Leciester winger’s father was also believed to have
owned as many as 2,300 cars – including Bentleys, Ferraris and Rolls-Royces. But more impressively, when Jefri celebrated his 50th
birthday, he flew over Michael Jackson to perform a private concert. As well as building an entire stadium for the event, he paid
the King of Pop £12.5 million.
With all his wealth some may wonder why Faiq Bolkiah bothers
to play football at all. “My parents have always been supportive in helping me to
achieve my dreams of being a footballer. “They trained me hard both psychologically and physically
through my childhood years, so I have to say they are my role models.”
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