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Kylian Mbappe has reportedly turned down a potentially record-setting deal from soccer club Al-Hilal. The Saudi Arabian team attempted to lure the sport’s biggest star with a $1 billion offer.
He is spurning those advances with many believing he’s already got an agreement with Real Madrid. The sports world can’t fathom rejecting that kind of money.
Mbappe was offered $1.1 billion to join the Al-Hilal club, $332 million of which would go towards his transfer fee. The other $776 million would potentially go towards his salary as part of a one-year deal.
That offer sparked an immediate reaction from major sports figures and media, most notably NBA players LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While jokes were made about the deal, the money was serious.
Apparently, it wasn’t enough to sway Mbappe into joining the Al-Hilal team.
Breaking: Mbappé is rejecting Al-Hilal’s $776M contract offer, per @FabrizioRomano
PSG believes Mbappé has already agreed to terms with Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/yXs56ftICR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 26, 2023
While historic, Mbappe couldn’t be tempted by the massive offer. This was always believed to be the most likely outcome, but it’s hard to imagine turning down nearly $1 billion.
His current club, PSG, agreed to the transfer which would’ve allowed him to speak to Al-Hilal. He refused.
In fact, he reportedly “never considered” a move to the Middle East. Instead, he’s expected to hold out until his PSG contract expires so that he can join a new club on a free transfer next year.
News of his reported denial is now going viral.
Bro turned down a Billion Dollars pic.twitter.com/8xVoegtle4
— Nathan Alan Barnhart (@RealNate018) July 26, 2023
JUST TAKE THE 700 MILL ITS 1 YEAR 😭😭😭
— Sway | Corrupts (@Corrupts_) July 26, 2023
One fan wrote, “Worst bag fumble of all time.”
DENYING THAT MUCH??
— Luctive (@luctive_) July 26, 2023
Bro denied more money than me and my kids’ kids’ kids’ kids will see in our lifetime
— Bench Warmer Banter (@bwb_sports) July 26, 2023
Another person asked, “Are you kidding me??” Everyone is in disbelief.
MBappe mom when she hear the news… pic.twitter.com/Grlb2CeIrV
— Van (@vanman_1000) July 26, 2023
The attempt was the Saudis’ latest swing (and miss) at infiltrating the soccer world. They’d previously offered Lionel Messi a massive deal, which he spurned in order to play in the MLS.
Messi’s seen immediate success with Inter Miami, notching the game-winning goal in his debut.
Mbappe’s rejection of the Al-Hilal offer is shocking. Still, he’ll make plenty of money on his next team, which appears to be Real Madrid.