Every few years, the idea of adding Celtic and Rangers to the English Premier League resurfaces. The reasoning: the two clubs’ near-total dominance in the Scottish league which can diminish local fan interest. As always, the proposal has been repeatedly shelved. Meanwhile, in the tiny Islamic sultanate of Brunei, a similar format was adopted successfully.
The DPMM FC team that ruled the small island league uncontested moved to the Malaysian league exactly ten years ago. This coming January, it will even welcome the world’s richest soccer player. And no, it’s not Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
Last week, Malaysian headlines reported that Faiq Jefri Bolkiah, nephew of Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan of Brunei, would join DPMM. “With a status like his, his arrival is expected to generate enormous attention — not just on the pitch but commercially and in terms of image,” the media wrote of the talent, whose net worth is estimated at no less than $22 billion.
For comparison, Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth is reported at roughly €800 million. The Portuguese forward is the highest-paid soccer player in the world, earning about $275 million annually, including his Al-Nassr salary and endorsements. Lionel Messi earns around $135 million, with his Inter Miami contract reportedly including part of MLS broadcast rights. His net worth, including global brand deals, is estimated at $850 million — still far less than the Malaysian league’s glittering addition.
Faiq, 27, is a member of Brunei’s royal family, a former British colony in Southeast Asia that gained independence in January 1984 after decades of political upheaval, including proposals to annex it to neighboring Malaysia.
The sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, 79, has ruled Brunei since 1967, consolidating his power over the decades. In addition to a fortune worth tens of billions, he owns a rare collection of 6,000 vintage cars — 350 of them Rolls-Royces — valued at around $4 billion alone. He also owns a private Boeing 747 valued at $270 million. Faiq’s father, Jefri, 70, is the former sultan’s son.
Hassanal Bolkiah maintains absolute control over the island under Islamic Sharia law. In 2014, religious laws were tightened, including harsh penalties for out-of-wedlock pregnancy, hand amputation for theft and death by stoning for homosexual acts. The death penalty was later removed following international criticism, including from Elton John, who threatened to boycott Brunei hotels.
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Hassanal Bolkiah with former German President Roman Herzog
(Photo: AP Photo/Mark Baker)
Faiq was born in Los Angeles, holds a U.S. passport, and was educated in the UK, far from his royal family. Reports suggest he controls most of the sultanate’s oil reserves, meaning his on-field talent has little impact on his financial future. Currently, the 27-year-old winger is registered with Rayong United in Thailand’s top league, earning about $4,000 per season. As of the fourth matchday, he has yet to make an appearance, after playing only five matches last season due to a long-term injury.
Chelsea first put Bolkiah on the map when they recruited him to the academy after four years with Southampton’s youth team. “His uncle is perhaps one of the most famous people in the world,” British media wrote of the 14-year-old, “and he had to work hard to make it to Chelsea.” Last summer, he trialed with Arsenal but did not secure a contract, then joined Reading before returning to Chelsea’s youth setup.
“It’s unclear if or when Faiq will break into Chelsea’s first team,” British media noted, “but it wouldn’t be surprising, as most academy players never make professional appearances.”
Struggling to find his place in English football, he left for Leicester’s youth team, spent four seasons with the senior squad, but never made an official appearance. In the summer of 2020, he moved to Madeira to join Marítimo, but saw little action before transferring to Chonburi in Thailand. Over two seasons (2021–2023), he made 32 appearances, scoring twice and assisting three goals, before being released.
Now, as noted, he returns to DPMM FC, which itself is returning to the Malaysian league after two years in Singapore. Following a slow start — just one point from three games — the local noble hopes to finally make a mark on the pitch, beyond the royal title he brings with him.