World's richest footballer becomes free agent after Chelsea exit

The world's richest footballer has now become a free agent and is searching for a new club after parting ways with Thai club Chonburi FC.

Faiq Bolkiah, 25, is the nephew of the Sultan of Brunei and reportedly has a net worth of around £20 billion. The winger was born in Los Angeles but started his footballing career in England after arriving in the country for educational purposes.

His journey within the sport started at the age of 11 after joining Southampton while also conducting trials with both Arsenal and Reading, before going on to sign a two-year youth deal with Chelsea in 2014.

A four-year-deal with Leicester City would then follow before he then chose to depart the country to go professional with Portuguese outfit, Maritimo in 2020 at the age of 22. However, his time in the country was short-lived as he departed just a year later after failing to establish himself.

First team football would only arrive for Bolkiah when he joined Chonburi back in 2021, however his time at the club was hindered through injury which led to the forward recording just two goals across his 29 games for the club. Consequentially leading to his departure from the Thai League 1 outfit.

Taking to his personal Instagram following the announcement of his departure, he said: "Thank you Chonburi for the last two seasons. And a special thank you to the fans who have been amazing from day one.Wish you all the best in the future an I hope one day we will meet again."

Despite his vast financial wealth, Bolkiah reportedly rejects a lavish lifestyle and instead chooses to focus entirely on succeeding within the game football. Speaking in an interview in the past, he said: "I’ve played football since as early as I can remember and from a young age I’ve always enjoyed going out on the field and having the ball at my feet," he once said in an interview.

"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."