THE world’s richest footballer has a whopping net worth of almost £16billion – but we bet you’ve never heard of him.
Faiq Bolkiah, 25, is 12 times richer than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi combined but he tragically spent the weekend in hospital after suffering a horror injury on the pitch.
Faiq is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah – a man who is worth up to £23billion and widely regarded as the second richest royal walking the planet.
But all his money and luxury lifestyle couldn’t stop the ex-Chelsea wonder kid from getting chopped down by an opposition player over the weekend.
Playing for Thai League 1’s Ratchaburi FC, Fariq was quickly rushed to hospital after suffering an agonising ankle injury.
A Police Tero player smashed into him and left him writhing in pain on the floor after he landed awkwardly on his right leg.
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Although he had some of the finest doctors in Thailand the exciting, young winger will now need surgery and is expected to be out for some time.
Ratchaburi president Thanawat Nitikarnchana said: “Today is a very sad day as Faiq has suffered serious injuries from yesterday’s match.
“He will undergo surgery soon. I extend my condolences to Faiq from everyone.
“This is his first major injury, but we will take care of Faiq to the best of our ability and look forward to the day Faiq returns to play with us again.”
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Ratchaburi went on to win the match 1-0 and currently sit fifth in the table of Thailand’s top league.
And to make matters worse for the rich athlete, this was his first game back since he saw red and was sent off last week.
Born in Los Angeles and educated at Bradfield College in Berkshire, Faiq joined Ratchaburi from fellow Thai top-flight side Chonburi last summer.
Having started his football journey at Berkshire non-Leaguers Newbury in 2008, he moved onto Southampton, Chelsea and Leicester, also having trials with Arsenal.
He played for the Brunei national team between 2016 and 2018 and was the captain.
He found the back of net once the in six games he played for them.
His father Jefri Bolkiah was known as the playboy of the Brunei royal family.
Jefri reportedly lived quite the life of excess, reportedly blowing around £10billion in 15-years as head of the Brunei Investment agency.
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At one point, he was said to be spending £35m a month on cars, watches, erotic white gold pens and up to a £1m a hit on karaoke parties with a swarm of beautiful women.
The Prince of Brunei once even spent £17million on hiring Michael Jackson for own his 50th birthday party.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
