10 Soccer Stars Who Turned Down the Saudi Payday
Big-money moves to Saudi Arabia have dominated soccer headlines, but not every player is dazzled by the payday. A surprising group of elite players have passed on the riches to opt for loyalty, legacy, or simply better soccer prospects elsewhere. These decisions have added a compelling twist to an already turbulent transfer market.
Here’s who said no, and why it mattered.
Lionel Messi Opted for Miami Over a Record Saudi Deal
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Messi turned down an astronomical £345 million offer from Al Hilal to choose Inter Miami instead. He went for the slower pace, familiar company, and a new kind of European spotlight. It also signaled a preference for comfort and legacy over a paycheck.
Bruno Fernandes Declined a Staggering Weekly Salary
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Manchester United’s captain wasn’t swayed by Al Hilal’s eye-watering £700,000 weekly wage. Instead, Bruno Fernandes doubled down on his role in Europe’s top flight. At 30, Fernandes still sees himself contributing at the highest level rather than taking a lucrative detour outside the elite soccer scene.
Son Heung-Min Dismissed a £25 Million Annual Offer
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Al Ittihad pursued the Tottenham forward and offered an enormous salary. But Son was unequivocal. He has unfinished business in the Premier League. For him, pride and performance outweighed financial reward, which is a rare stance in a market now flooded with blockbuster deals.
Luka Modric Turned Down a £100 Million Payday
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In 2023, Luka Modric reportedly received a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club, widely cited as a two-year deal worth €100 million. Instead of accepting the big payday, Modric chose to remain at Real Madrid.
Ousmane Dembele Walked Away From £35 Million a Year
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Al Nassr approached Dembele with a hefty five-year offer while he was still at Barcelona. Though the numbers were attention-grabbing, he opted to continue in Europe. His next move to PSG confirmed his intention to compete for silverware in the continent’s premier competitions.
Jamie Vardy Refused Saudi Interest After Leicester’s Relegation
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For the veteran striker, loyalty and the competitive fire outweighed the appeal of Middle Eastern millions. After Leicester City dropped into the Championship, Vardy was approached by Al Khaleej. He declined, just so he could stay and help his longtime club bounce back.
Sergio Busquets Joined Messi in Miami, Not Saudi Arabia
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The Barcelona legend, Sergio Busquets, was widely expected to join one of the top Saudi clubs after ending his time in La Liga. Instead, he followed Messi to Inter Miami. This decision was primarily due to a desire to stick with familiar allies and avoid the pressures of pioneering in Saudi soccer.
Romelu Lukaku Turned Down Al Hilal’s £21 Million Yearly Offer
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Romelu Lukaku was between clubs when Al Hilal came knocking with £21 million a year. He passed. Italy still felt like unfinished business. First Roma, then Napoli—Lukaku stuck with clubs that offered competition, credibility, and a familiar setting for a striker trying to rewrite his narrative.
Marco Silva Stayed Loyal to Fulham Over £40 Million
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Al Ahli’s £40 million managerial offer was massive, even though Marco Silva wasn’t even a soccer player. The manager surprised everyone by saying no. He stayed at Fulham to focus on slow but steady progress in the Premier League.
Kylian Mbappe Didn’t Entertain Saudi Interest
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Al Hilal wanted a single-season blockbuster with a €200 million paycheck. Kylian Mbappe didn’t entertain the idea. For a player obsessed with Champions League titles and soccer legacy, the Saudi Pro League just didn’t register. He was always playing a longer game.
Sergio Ramos Returned to Sevilla Despite Big-Money Bids
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Veteran defenders don’t usually turn down a golden send-off. But Sergio Ramos did. He passed on Saudi riches to rejoin Sevilla, his first club. The emotional pull and the chance to end his career where it began meant more than any final payday.
Jose Mourinho Declined Al Ahli’s Coaching Offer
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This celebrated manager passed on a proposal from Al Ahli to coach in the Saudi Pro League. Despite meeting with club officials, Mourinho opted to remain in Europe, where he led Roma to consecutive European finals. His competitive ambitions clearly outweighed the financial appeal.
Pedro of Flamengo Passed on a Lucrative Move
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After scoring 29 goals, Flamengo’s Pedro could’ve jumped ship when Al Hilal showed interest. His former coach, Jorge Jesus, was already there. Still, Pedro stayed in Brazil. He didn’t bite on the first big check that came along.
Marcus Rashford Passed on Three Saudi Approaches
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During a turbulent period at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford was approached by Saudi Pro League clubs but opted instead for a loan move to Aston Villa in early 2025. This decision showed his preference to remain in top-level European soccer rather than pursue a lucrative move to the Middle East. After the loan, Villa declined a permanent deal, and Rashford is now seeking new opportunities abroad, with Barcelona reportedly interested.
Olivier Giroud Chose MLS Over Middle East Riches
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Before leaving AC Milan, Olivier Giroud fielded Saudi offers that would’ve cushioned his retirement nicely. He wasn’t tempted. The French striker took his finishing touch to LAFC, drawn by lifestyle and tempo over the weight of another high-pressure move. His mind was made up early.