Why Real Madrid and Barcelona stars are rejecting Saudi Arabia's lucrative football offers

‎Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to transform its football league into a global force have seen it target Europe’s biggest stars with jaw-dropping contracts. While several Premier League names have made the move, Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have watched their stars turn down similar offers—with Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha among the latest to say no.

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‎'Vinicius Jr.'

‎Getty Images Sport 

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‎Star Names Say No

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‎According to reliable sources close to both clubs, Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. and Barcelona's Raphinha were approached by Saudi Pro League representatives with lucrative deals in 2024. The offers promised enormous salaries, multi-year contracts, and commercial incentives. Yet both Brazilians declined.

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‎Their decisions highlight a growing trend among top La Liga players: prioritizing competitive football and club legacy over financial windfalls.

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‎Legacy Over Lucrative Contracts

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‎For Vinícius Jr., who has become one of Real Madrid’s most dynamic and marketable players, loyalty to the club’s long-term vision and the chance to write history with Los Blancos were decisive. Raphinha, similarly, remains committed to Barcelona’s evolving project under Xavi, valuing regular top-tier European competition and his place in the club’s rebuilding era.

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‎"These players are looking to build legacies, not just bank accounts," noted a senior La Liga insider.

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‎Competitive Drive Still Reigns

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‎The Saudi Pro League is growing, but it still cannot match the elite level of UEFA Champions League or even La Liga’s domestic intensity. For ambitious stars like Vinícius and Raphinha—both in their prime years—the desire to challenge the best in Europe remains strong.

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‎Cultural Fit and Long-Term Plans

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‎Both players have settled lives in Spain, a country they culturally and linguistically connect with. Uprooting their families and careers to a league that, while rising in profile, remains outside of the elite football ecosystem, proved unappealing.

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‎Club Identity Runs Deep

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‎Real Madrid and Barcelona instill a deep sense of identity and mission in their players. Vinícius has become a symbol of Madrid’s post-Galáctico era, while Raphinha has carved out a role in the new Barcelona under Laporta and Xavi. Fans expect more than performance—they demand commitment to the crest.

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‎Saudi Arabia’s financial power is undeniable, and it will continue to lure names to its league. But the rejections by Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha prove that for many La Liga stars, the dream still lies in Europe’s historic stadiums—not in the riches of the desert.