• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Saudi Arabia Reportedly Plans $400M Per-Year Offer for Lionel Messi

  • If signed, Messi would be the highest-paid athlete by annual salary in sports history.
  • Messi would join Cristiano Ronaldo as stars to play in the Saudi Professional League.
Messi is currently suspended by Paris Saint-Germain
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Saudi Arabia’s government is preparing to offer soccer star Lionel Messi a contract that will pay him $400 million per year to play in the Saudi Professional League, according to the Telegraph

It would be the largest annual salary for an athlete in sports history, surpassing the current record set earlier this year when Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Saudi club Al Nassr for about $210 million per year. 

Messi already has a multi-million dollar deal with the Saudi government to promote tourism in the country, which is hoping to host the 2030 World Cup. Messi’s rumored deal to move to Saudi Arabia’s top soccer league comes as his current club Paris Saint-Germain, suspended him for two weeks for taking a trip to Saudi Arabia that was not authorized by the team. 

“I am happy to welcome Messi and his family to Saudi to enjoy the magical tourist destinations and authentic experiences,” Saudi minister of tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb tweeted Monday. “We welcome visitors from all around the world to experience a unique trip to Saudi Arabia and its hospitality.”

The Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund also owns the LIV Golf Tour and English soccer club Newcastle United. It was reported in April that the PIF was looking to purchase another soccer club, potentially in Belgium.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Chelsea

Club World Cup Semis Are Battle to Make Richest Soccer Final Ever

Semifinalists have each earned at least $60 million from the tournament so far.
Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) heads the ball in front of United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson (11) in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium.

USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

The U.S. team’s recent issues culminated in a loss to Mexico.

Liverpool to Pay Diogo Jota’s $20M Contract to His Widow

Jota had two years remaining on his contract.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.

Featured Today

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Dewanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner Will Sign With Phoenix Mercury After Fever Saga

Bonner will rejoin the franchise where she won two titles.
July 7, 2025

An FSU Amateur Golfer Beat the World’s Best—but Can’t Accept $79K Prize

Top-ranked amateur Lottie Woad won the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
July 7, 2025

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 6, 2025

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new CBA.
July 6, 2025

Unrivaled Co-Founders Deny Conflict of Interest With WNBPA Leadership

The WNBA and its union are negotiating a new CBA.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.