The planet’s richest footballer, Faiq Bolkiah, is without a club after leaving Ratchaburi

Brunei’s nephew of the sultan, Faiq Bolkiah, who is widely regarded as the richest player in the world, is now a free agent.

Details: According to Spanish outlet Marca, 28-year-old winger and Brunei captain Faiq Bolkiah is without a club after his contract with Thai side Ratchaburi expired. The footballer left the top-flight Thai club on July 1, 2026, but failed to agree a move to a new team during the summer transfer window.

Bolkiah earned his status as the world’s wealthiest player thanks to the immense fortune of Brunei’s ruling dynasty. He is the son of Prince Jefri Bolkiah and the nephew of reigning Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The royal family’s wealth is estimated at around $20 billion (approximately €18.7 billion), although those funds belong to the royal dynasty’s assets rather than representing the winger’s personal football earnings.

Born in Los Angeles, he began his European football journey in the academies of English clubs Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester. At senior level, he made his debut for Portuguese side Marítimo before moving to the Thai league, where he played for Chonburi and Ratchaburi. On the international stage, Bolkiah has made six appearances for Brunei’s national team.

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