Saudi Arabia $1.1 Billion Mbappé Bid Sparks Sportswashing Debate. In one of the most ambitious moves in sports history. Saudi Arabian football club Al-Hilal reportedly made a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion bid to sign French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé. The proposed deal would have included a $332 million payment to Mbappé’s current club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). An eye-popping $775 million salary for the World Cup winner, all for just one year. While Mbappé turned down the offer in July. The move sparked immediate criticism, with many labeling it as an attempt at “sportswashing.”
Whereas, King Salman Stadium to Be One of World’s Largest
Despite Mbappé’s refusal, the tide shifted just a month later when Brazilian forward Neymar Jr. accepted a move to Saudi Arabia. The transfer of Neymar from PSG to Al-Hilal was completed for a reported fee of $98.5 million (€90 million). With additional add-ons. This deal was part of a broader trend. As Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs spent nearly $1 billion during the transfer window. The spending spree saw 94 overseas players, including high-profile names from Europe’s top leagues, join Saudi clubs, according to Deloitte.
This influx of talent comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to establish itself as a major player in global football, despite ongoing criticism of its human rights record. The Kingdom’s investment in sports is seen as a cornerstone of its broader plan to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil, and elevate its global image. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been at the forefront of this strategy.
In a recent Fox News interview, MBS boldly responded to accusations of sportswashing, saying, “Well if sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by one percent, then I will continue doing sportswashing.” He further expressed that he was unbothered by the criticism. Adding that he aims to achieve an additional 1.5 percent growth through sports investments.
Saudi Arabian clubs, many of which are now owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Have already signed several prominent players, making waves in the football world. The spending spree reflects the seriousness of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to transform its domestic league into a premier destination for top-tier talent.
As Saudi Arabia continues to pour money into football, the debate over the ethical implications of such investments. Particularly in light of the Kingdom’s controversial human rights record, is expected to intensify. However, for now, the nation’s sportswashing ambitions seem to be paying off, with the SPL gaining global attention and players from around the world heading to the Kingdom for massive paydays.
