He’s not a football superstar by global stats—but he is the richest player to ever lace up a pair of boots. With a jaw-dropping estimated net worth of $20 billion, Faiq Bolkiah has become a headline-making enigma in the world of sports and celebrity finance. He also ranks #1 on our list of the Top 50 Richest Soccer Players in the World.
Born into Brunei royalty and raised partly in the U.S., the 27-year-old midfielder is best known for playing in Thailand’s top league and for his brief stints at elite English clubs like Chelsea and Leicester City. Despite his relatively low-key football career, Faiq Bolkiah’s wealth far exceeds that of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi combined.
So, why is now the time to talk about Faiq Bolkiah net worth in 2025? From his recent move to Ratchaburi FC to a renewed spotlight on his billionaire background, curiosity around his salary, assets, and lifestyle is surging.
In this article, we’ll break down Faiq Bolkiah’s income sources, career milestones, real estate and luxury assets, and some truly wild facts about the world’s richest footballer.
Table of Contents
Faiq Bolkiah’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth is estimated at $20 billion, according to Financial Express. Making him the wealthiest footballer in the world by a wide margin. While his professional football earnings are modest, the bulk of his fortune stems from his status as a member of Brunei’s royal family—a dynasty with vast holdings in oil, real estate, and global investments.
Despite limited appearances on the pitch compared to global stars like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, Bolkiah’s inheritance positions him in a financial league of his own. His net worth has remained relatively stable in recent years due to the enduring wealth of the Sultanate of Brunei and prudent asset management by the royal household.
Estimated Net Worth Over the Years
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Highlights |
| 2020 | $20 billion | Public spotlight increases; plays for Marítimo B |
| 2022 | $20 billion | Signs with Chonburi FC in Thailand |
| 2023 | $20 billion | Moves to Ratchaburi FC; headlines wealth comparisons |
| 2025 | $20 billion | Net worth remains steady; renewed media interest |
Contributors to Faiq Bolkiah Wealth
Inherited Royal Wealth: His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, and uncle, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, control Brunei’s oil wealth and extensive luxury assets, forming the backbone of Faiq’s financial status.
Trust Funds and Royal Holdings: Faiq is believed to benefit from trust funds and allocations of royal revenue, though exact figures remain private.
Minimal Earnings from Football: His salary at Thai clubs is modest (around $2,900/month), barely impacting his overall net worth.
No Major Endorsements or Businesses: Unlike most high-net-worth athletes, Faiq has no public brand deals or entrepreneurial ventures.
“Faiq Bolkiah’s net worth doesn’t reflect on-field success—it’s a rare case where royal inheritance outweighs athletic earnings by several magnitudes.”
— James Rawlins, Wealth Analyst, Finance Monthly, 2024
How Faiq Bolkiah Makes Money
Though Faiq Bolkiah is officially a professional footballer, the bulk of his income doesn’t come from the pitch—it comes from his royal bloodline. Here’s a breakdown of how he makes money, including confirmed salary figures and insights into his broader financial background.
Football Salaries
Faiq has played for clubs including Chelsea and Leicester City’s youth teams, Portuguese side Marítimo, and most recently in Thailand for Chonburi FC and Ratchaburi FC.
While at Chonburi FC, he reportedly earned around ฿100,000 Thai Baht/month (~$2,900 /month).
Total annual football earnings in Thailand are estimated at $35,000–$40,000.
His contracts with European clubs likely provided slightly higher youth-level stipends but did not include top-tier professional wages, as he did not make senior team appearances.
Despite being a full-time player, his football earnings are minimal compared to his inherited wealth.
Endorsements & Sponsorships
To date, there are no confirmed endorsement deals or major sponsorship contracts tied to Faiq Bolkiah.
Unlike players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi who earn tens of millions annually from brand deals, Faiq remains under the radar commercially, likely by choice. His low media profile and minimalist lifestyle suggest he hasn’t pursued monetizing his name through traditional celebrity marketing routes.
Investments and Business Ventures
There is no public record of personal business ventures or entrepreneurial activity by Faiq himself.
However, his indirect exposure to global investments is significant:
His family’s sovereign wealth includes holdings in luxury hotels (e.g., The Dorchester in London, Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles).
The Brunei royal family also has interests in high-end real estate, financial markets, and oil and gas assets, from which Faiq likely benefits through family trusts or structured wealth distribution.
Other Income Sources
Faiq is a member of one of the wealthiest royal families in the world:
His father, Prince Jefri Bolkiah, was once Brunei’s finance minister and oversaw investments through the Brunei Investment Agency.
The family’s wealth stems from Brunei’s massive oil and gas revenues, and their net assets are conservatively estimated in the tens of billions.
Though exact figures are private, Faiq likely receives income through:
- Family trust funds
- Distributions from sovereign wealth
- Passive income from global assets
“While his salary in Thailand is modest by professional football standards, it’s a lifestyle choice—not a financial necessity.”
— Kira Tannis, Sports Finance Contributor, Bloomberg Sports, 2023
Faiq Bolkiah Career Timeline
Early Life & Youth Career
1998 – Born on May 9 in Los Angeles, California, to Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.
2009 – Joined Southampton’s youth academy in England, marking the beginning of his football development.
2013 – Played for Arsenal’s youth team during a short trial period.
2014–2016 – Signed a two-year youth contract with Chelsea FC.
Professional Career Milestones
2016 – Moved to Leicester City, signing a youth contract. Stayed for four years but never made a senior appearance.
2016 – Made senior international debut for Brunei, scoring in his first match against Laos.
2020 – Signed with Marítimo B (Portugal); limited to reserve appearances.
2021 – Signed by Chonburi FC in Thailand League 1, becoming the first Bruneian to play in Thailand’s top division.
2022 – Scored first league goal for Chonburi against Port FC.
2023 – Departed Chonburi FC after 33 appearances and 2 goals.
2023 – Joined Ratchaburi FC, another Thai League 1 team.
2023 – Made debut for Ratchaburi.
2023 – Scored his first goal for Ratchaburi in a 6–1 win over Police Tero.
Financial Milestones & Public Recognition
2016–2020 – While at Leicester City, Faiq was first widely publicized as the “richest footballer in the world” due to his royal inheritance.
2021–2025 – Earns approx. $2,900/month salary in Thai League; maintains a low-cost lifestyle despite a billionaire background.
2025 – Media confirms estimated net worth of $20 billion, mostly from royal family holdings.
2025 – Continues to play in Thailand, retaining status as the wealthiest active footballer globally.
“He may not have cracked the Premier League, but Faiq Bolkiah made history as the first Bruneian to play in Thailand’s top league.”
—Tom Sanderson, Southeast Asia Football Correspondent, The AFC Hub, 2023
Also See: Top 50 Richest Soccer Players in the World
Faiq Bolkiah’s Assets and Luxury Lifestyle
As a member of the Brunei royal family and nephew to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Faiq Bolkiah has access to some of the most extravagant assets and privileges in the world—even if he doesn’t flaunt them publicly. His family’s wealth is legendary, built on the nation’s vast oil reserves, and reflected in palatial properties, rare cars, and global luxury holdings.
Real Estate and Residences
While Faiq himself is known for leading a relatively low-key lifestyle, the Bolkiah family owns an extensive real estate portfolio spanning multiple countries:
Istana Nurul Iman Palace (Brunei): The family’s main residence and the world’s largest residential palace, with over 1,700 rooms and a value exceeding $1.4 billion.
Hotel Bel-Air (Los Angeles) and The Dorchester (London): Part of the Brunei Investment Agency’s luxury hotel holdings. Though not personal residences, Faiq likely has privileged access.
Current Residence (Thailand): While playing for Thai clubs, Faiq reportedly rents a modest condo in Chonburi for ~$170/month, showing a surprising contrast to his family wealth.
Exotic Car Collection
The Bolkiah family owns one of the largest and most valuable private car collections in the world, reportedly consisting of over 2,000 luxury vehicles, including:
- 600 Rolls-Royces
- 300 Ferraris
- Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Bugattis, and other hypercars
While Faiq himself drives a Toyota Yaris while living in Thailand, he is widely believed to have access to the family collection when in Brunei or abroad.
Private Jets and Yachts
The Brunei royal family maintains a fleet of private aircraft, including:
- Customized Boeing 747 (“The Flying Palace”) worth over $220 million, outfitted in gold and Lalique crystal.
- Multiple private jets and helicopters for state and family use.
Jewelry, Fashion & Unusual Luxuries
Jewelry: The Bolkiah family is known for its extensive private jewelry collections. Faiq’s holdings are unconfirmed, but he is occasionally seen wearing luxury watches and understated accessories.
Fashion: He maintains a casual, sporty wardrobe, often wearing football training kits or streetwear—far from the high-fashion lifestyles of other celebrities.
Unusual Purchases:
Exotic pets: Reports suggest he has kept tigers and leopards as pets in the past—a symbol of extreme luxury and status.
Entertainment tastes: Known for binge-watching Korean dramas, an unusual detail that highlights his modest personal interests despite his billionaire status.
“The Bolkiah family’s car collection alone is worth more than the GDP of some nations, and Faiq likely has access to it all—even if he prefers a Toyota.”
— Ethan Morales, Luxury Asset Correspondent, Forbes Asia, 2022
Faiq Bolkiah’s Personal Life
Faiq Jefri Bolkiah was born on May 9, 1998, in Los Angeles, California, making him 27 years old in 2025. He holds dual citizenship—Bruneian and American—and is best known not just for his football career, but for being a member of one of the wealthiest royal families in the world.
Royal Family Background
Faiq is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah, the younger brother of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the ruler of Brunei. The Bolkiah dynasty has amassed vast wealth through decades of oil and gas revenues, with royal holdings estimated in the tens of billions of dollars. This royal lineage is the foundation of Faiq’s $20 billion net worth in 2025, making him the world’s richest footballer.
Education and Early Life
Faiq spent his early years between the United States and the United Kingdom. He attended Bradfield College, a private boarding school in Berkshire, England, while also developing his skills in football academies. His education was consistent with elite royal standards, blending academics with international exposure and sport.
Relationships and Privacy
As of 2025, Faiq Bolkiah is reportedly single, with no confirmed public relationships. He maintains a low-profile personal life, avoiding the media spotlight and social scenes typical of wealthy celebrities. This discretion aligns with his reputation for modesty, despite extraordinary wealth.
Lifestyle Habits
- Known for leading a simple lifestyle, especially during his football tenure in Thailand.
- Lives in a modest rented condo (~$170/month) and drives a Toyota Yaris, despite having access to his family’s massive fortune and exotic car collection.
- Enjoys watching Korean dramas, and is said to have kept exotic pets, including tigers and leopards—highlighting both his private tastes and royal indulgence.
Philanthropy
While specific charitable contributions are not well-documented, Faiq has expressed a desire to make his family proud through his career, hinting at personal values grounded in duty, respect, and quiet contribution. Much of the Bolkiah family’s philanthropy operates at the state level through Brunei’s royal initiatives.
“He could live like a king, but Faiq seems more interested in living like a grounded athlete who just happens to be a billionaire.”
— Emily Chen, Celebrity Culture Reporter, Variety, 2024
Fun Facts About Faiq Bolkiah
He’s owned pet tigers and leopards — because why not, when you’re a royal billionaire?
Despite a $20 billion net worth, he drove a Toyota Yaris and rented a $170/month condo while playing football in Thailand.
He’s obsessed with Korean dramas, often binge-watching them during downtime between matches.
He’s the only player on the pitch richer than the clubs he plays for — literally.
He was born in Los Angeles and could’ve played for the U.S., but chose to represent Brunei on the international stage.
Net Worth Comparison Table
| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Notable Source of Wealth |
|---|---|---|
| Faiq Bolkiah | $20 Billion | Royal inheritance, Brunei oil wealth |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | $800 Million | Football salary, endorsements, CR7 |
| Lionel Messi | $850 Million | Football, Adidas, Inter Miami stake |
| Kylian Mbappé | $180 Million | PSG/Real Madrid salary, Nike deals |
| David Beckham | $450 Million | Branding, Inter Miami ownership |
FAQs
How much is Faiq Bolkiah worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Faiq Bolkiah’s estimated net worth is $20 billion, largely from royal inheritance tied to Brunei’s oil wealth.
How does Faiq Bolkiah make his money?
Faiq earns a modest salary from football (about $35,000–$40,000/year), but most of his wealth comes from his family’s royal fortune and global investments.
Does Faiq Bolkiah own any houses?
While Faiq personally rents a $170/month condo in Thailand, his family owns multiple luxury properties, including the Istana Nurul Iman palace and hotels in London, Paris, and Los Angeles.
Is Faiq Bolkiah married or in a relationship?
As of 2025, Faiq Bolkiah is reportedly single, and he keeps his personal life very private.
Does Faiq Bolkiah have any endorsements?
There are no known endorsement deals or brand partnerships linked to Faiq Bolkiah. He stays out of the commercial spotlight.
How much does Faiq Bolkiah earn from football?
He earns around $2,900/month playing in the Thai League, which is small compared to most pro players—but his true wealth is from Brunei’s royal assets.
Conclusion
Faiq Bolkiah’s story is unlike any other in the world of football. While his professional career may not feature Champions League glory or Golden Boots, his status as the wealthiest footballer on Earth, with an estimated net worth of $20 billion in 2025, is unmatched. Born into Brunei’s royal family, Faiq has balanced immense inherited wealth with a grounded lifestyle and steady dedication to the sport he loves.
As he continues his journey in Thai football and possibly explores coaching, mentorship, or quiet philanthropic ventures, his unique blend of humility and royalty keeps fans and followers intrigued.
Explore more net worth deep-dives and celebrity financial profiles right here on our site. From football legends to entertainment icons, we break down the numbers that shape their success.
Mohit is a media researcher and co-founder of TheNetWorths.com, with over 5 years of experience analyzing celebrity income, brand deals, and the creator economy. He delivers data-backed insights on how today’s stars grow their wealth and influence—trusted by readers and digital entrepreneurs.
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