KUALA LUMPUR: Faiq Bolkiah, the world's richest footballer, has been admitted to the hospital after sustaining a serious injury during the Thai League 1 match between Ratchaburi and Police Tero.
Faiq, 25, the nephew of Sultan of Brunei, was substituted in the first half of the match, which took place at the Bunyachinda Stadium in Bangkok.
Just minutes into the game, Faiq collided with an opposing player from Police Tero. The incident saw Faiq's right leg caught awkwardly beneath his opponent's.
Faiq was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Ratchaburi's club president, Tanawat Nitikanchana, visited Faiq with his family as a gesture of support for the player.
Tanawat posted a picture of them on his Instagram, with the doctor attending to Faiq.
"Today is a sad day. Prince @fjefrib got injured while playing for us @rbfcofficial_," Tanawat wrote in the caption. "I know you must be shocked and in pain.
"But you need to know that we will always be with you until you return to wear the dragon jersey and score goals.
"Even though you've only been here for eight months, I believe everyone in this club and the fans love you. We'll wait for you to come back with us."
It's been a tough week for Faiq, who was sent off in Ratchaburi's previous match after receiving a second yellow card. He joined Ratchaburi last year after leaving Chonburi.
Despite his royal status, it hasn't stopped Faiq from becoming a professional footballer. While studying in England, Faiq played for Southampton Academy for a year before signing a two-year youth contract with Chelsea and later Leicester City.
After his three-year professional contract with Leicester City ended in March 2016, he signed a free transfer to Maritomo of Portugal's Primeira Liga.
In December 2021, Faiq joined Thai League 1 outfit Chonburi before announcing his exit to join Ratchaburi in June last year.