By French soccer prodigy Kylian Mbappé has become the center of attention as Saudi Arabia’s renowned soccer club, Al Hilal, makes an unprecedented bid for his talents. Following their unsuccessful pursuit of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, Al Hilal has now reportedly tabled an astounding offer of $322 million to secure Mbappé’s services.
If the deal goes through, Mbappé could potentially earn a staggering $776 million in just one year with the Saudi team, as reported by CBS. This offer surpasses the combined salary caps of several top American professional sports teams, including the NFL’s Cleveland Browns ($266.5 million), Las Vegas Raiders ($264.5 million), and Buffalo Bills ($257.1 million), according to Spotrac.com. It also exceeds the total 2023 payrolls of both the New York Mets ($348.8 million) and New York Yankees ($279.3 million), as indicated by Spotrac.com.
When compared to the NBA’s LeBron James, who has earned $479.5 million throughout his career to date, Mbappé’s potential payday is truly astronomical, notes Spotrac.
In response to Al Hilal’s remarkable bid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Mbappé’s current team, has confirmed the offer and granted permission for direct negotiations between Al Hilal and Mbappé himself. Notably, Mbappé has decided against accepting a 12-month contract extension from PSG after its expiration next summer.
PSG has excluded Mbappé from their promotional tour of Japan this season, choosing instead to focus on training alongside other PSG players who did not participate in the tour, ESPN reports.
Mbappé’s Potential Move to Al Hilal Could Bring Economic Benefits to Saudi Arabia
The recent news of Al Hilal’s astronomical bid for Kylian Mbappé has caught the attention of sports fans worldwide. If the French football superstar accepts the offer, it could have significant implications not only for Al Hilal but for the entire Saudi Pro League.
Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in professional sports as part of its effort to diversify its economy away from oil. By attracting high-profile athletes like Mbappé, the country aims to boost public interest in sports and generate revenue from broadcast rights, sponsorships, and tourism.
However, critics argue that these moves are seen as an attempt by Saudi Arabia to divert attention from international scrutiny over its human rights record.
Interestingly, Al Hilal’s bid for Mbappé has even sparked the attention of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo. He jokingly tweeted, “Al Hilal you can take me. I look like Kylian Mbappe” along with laughing-crying emojis. Mbappé, in response, shared Antetokounmpo’s tweet and added 13 laughing-crying emojis of his own.
It’s worth noting that Al Hilal’s pursuit of top talent goes beyond Mbappé. The team also expressed interest in signing Lionel Messi, who ultimately decided to join Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami. This team, partially owned by soccer legend David Beckham, offers a different opportunity for the Argentine player.
If Mbappé decides to join Al Hilal, he will be joining a growing list of celebrities who have chosen to play sports in Saudi Arabia. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have already become a part of this trend, earning significant sums of money while showcasing their talents in the kingdom. Ronaldo is estimated to earn $213 million this year from his affiliation with Al Nassr, while Benzema collects $214 million annually through his three-year contract with Al-Ittihad.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappé’s potential move to Al Hilal would not only elevate the profile of the Saudi Pro League but also bring economic benefits to Saudi Arabia. The country’s investments in professional sports are part of a larger strategy to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil.
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