10 Football Superstars Who Rejected Saudi Arabia’s Millions
Football Superstars Who Rejected Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has made headlines by luring top football talents with astronomical salaries. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar have made the move, enticed by the promise of unparalleled wealth. However, not all have been swayed. Some players have chosen passion, legacy, and competition over hefty paychecks. Let’s delve into the stories of ten football superstars who said “no” to Saudi riches.
1. Bruno Fernandes – Staying Loyal to Manchester United
In 2025, Al-Hilal offered Bruno Fernandes a staggering £700,000 per week, aiming to reunite him with former teammates. Despite Manchester United’s struggles and the tempting offer, Fernandes chose to stay, emphasizing his commitment to competing at the highest level and his loyalty to the club.
2. Lionel Messi – Choosing Family and Legacy
After his stint with PSG, Messi received an unprecedented €1.4 billion offer from Al-Hilal. Prioritizing his family’s comfort and his legacy, he opted to join Inter Miami in the MLS, turning down the most lucrative deal in football history.
3. Ousmane Dembélé – Opting for Paris Over Riyadh
Dembélé was approached by Al-Nassr with a €40 million annual salary offer. Instead, he chose to continue his career in Europe, moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, seeking competitive football over financial gain.
4. Marcus Rashford – Eyes Set on European Glory
Facing a £600,000 weekly offer from Saudi clubs, Rashford declined, believing he still had much to achieve in European football. He later joined Aston Villa on loan, aiming to rejuvenate his career and eventually fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona.
5. Jamie Vardy – Values Over Vast Wealth
Despite being offered £600,000 per week, a significant increase from his Leicester City wages, Vardy chose to stay in Europe. His decision was driven by personal values and a desire to compete in familiar territories.
6. Luka Modrić – The Pursuit of Competitive Football
Even at 38, Modrić received offers up to €120 million annually from Saudi clubs. However, his passion for top-tier European football and commitment to Real Madrid led him to decline these offers.
7. Sergio Busquets – Reuniting with Messi in Miami
Busquets was presented with an $18 million per season deal from Al-Nassr. Choosing camaraderie over cash, he joined Inter Miami to play alongside his longtime friend, Lionel Messi.
8. Robert Lewandowski—Staying True to Barcelona
After achieving significant milestones with Barcelona, Lewandowski was offered €150 million per year by Saudi clubs. He declined, expressing his desire to continue building his legacy with the Catalan giants.
9. Son Heung-min—Loyalty to Tottenham Hotspur
In 2023, Al-Ittihad proposed a four-year contract worth $25 million annually. Son, deeply loyal to Tottenham and its fans, chose to stay, later leading the team to their first UEFA Europa League victory in 17 years.
10. Olivier Giroud – Embracing MLS Over Middle East
Approached with a $15 million per year offer, Giroud opted to join LA Galaxy in the MLS. His decision was influenced by a desire for new experiences and a different footballing environment.
While the Saudi Pro League offers unparalleled financial incentives, these ten players have shown that passion, loyalty, and the love for competitive football often outweigh monetary gains. Their decisions highlight the essence of the sport and the values that many fans hold dear.
What are your thoughts on these decisions? Would you choose legacy over wealth? Share your opinions in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with fellow football enthusiasts!
