• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Mbappé’s Potential Record $1B Deal Threatens Soccer’s Economic Balance

  • Deal would shatter prior records in the sport.
  • Points of stress already visible in European soccer.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The potential record-setting transfer of French soccer star Kylian Mbappé threatens an already delicate financial balance in world soccer.

Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal is preparing a $1.1 billion offer to sign Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain, including a $332 million fee to PSG and a one-year, $776 million salary — a deal that would double as a way for Mbappé to then join Real Madrid after the 2023-24 season, as is his reported intention.

Both numbers would shatter prior records in global soccer, beating the $262 million transfer fee PSG paid in 2017 for Brazilian star Neymar and also the annual $214 million Cristiano Ronaldo earns from Saudi team Al Nassr, including commercial deals. 

Mbappé’s deal — which involves two oil-rich nations, given PSG’s Qatari-based ownership — could further erode the economic parity FIFA has sought to promote and enforce via its Financial Fair Play rules.

Allan Saint-Maximin’s proposed move from Saudi-backed Newcastle United to Saudi team Al Ahli has already raised concerns, and given pushback from fans about ticket pricing, Mbappé’s situation applies additional economic pressure.

In Perspective

In comparison with other lifetime earnings and franchise valuations, the numbers behind Mbappé’s potential contract are even more eye-popping.

  • $531M: LeBron James’ all-time NBA earnings
  • $494M: Patrick Mahomes’ deal through 2031
  • $450M: The value of the Arizona Coyotes
  • $367M: The New York Mets’ entire payroll
  • $332M: Tom Brady’s all-time NFL earnings
  • $225M: The 2023 NFL Salary Cap
  • $185M: The value of the Seattle Storm
  • $157M: Tiger Woods’ career PGA earnings

“I think if you have enough money, you can get away with anything, including murder, and try to sign up all the top players in the world,” said Tony Khan, vice chair of the Premier League’s Fulham FC and Jacksonville Jaguars chief strategy officer, last week on “The Dan Le Batard Show.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 19, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (4) passes the ball in the second half of a preseason preparation soccer match against the Borussia Dortmund at Notre Dame.

Liverpool’s $598M Gamble Looks Pretty Average on the Pitch—So Far

Liverpool struggles after historic offseason spending and lofty expectations.
Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”

Featured Today

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.