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Contemporary professional soccer players generally guard their private affairs closely and almost never reveal the details of their financial compensation.
Ex-Newcastle United attacker Allan Saint-Maximin, on the other hand, clearly breaks that mold.
Even though player salaries frequently spark intense discussion, reported amounts are regularly minimized, with athletes virtually never voluntarily sharing precise figures with fans.
Allan Saint-Maximin discloses staggering earnings from Saudi Arabia
In an unusually open message online, the French attacker shared that he secured a remarkable €45 million (£37.5 million) tax-free across a three-year spell in Saudi Arabia.
This revelation came as Saint-Maximin clarified his reasons for declining a reported €26 million (£21.7 million) offer to purchase the rights to his self-created board game venture.
Speaking directly to his fans, the 29-year-old stated he rejected the buyout proposal because he favors external funding that allows him to retain ownership. He highlighted his intention to utilize the initiative to generate employment opportunities and organize competitive events featuring cash rewards for disadvantaged groups.
“Don’t worry, I have taken home 45 million net during three years in Saudi Arabia, so a 26 million bid isn’t going to tempt me,” expressed Saint-Maximin. “If it were a billion, perhaps we could talk, but that’s a long way off! 26 million sounds impressive. However, transforming the lives of others is beyond value.”
Saint-Maximin continues to be remembered as a deeply cherished fan favorite in Tyneside’s modern history. Arriving from Nice back in 2019, the wide attacker frequently served as the lone highlight during the difficult closing period under Mike Ashley’s regime and Steve Bruce’s cautious leadership.
Recognizable by his signature luxury headbands, dazzling ball control, and engaging online interaction with the fanbase, Saint-Maximin regularly spearheaded the offense, giving supporters a sense of joy prior to the club’s game-changing ownership shift in 2021.
In 2023, Saint-Maximin completed a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli for approximately £23 million, a transfer that raised questions among competing Premier League teams because both clubs are predominantly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Following an initial season in Jeddah playing alongside stars like Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino, the French winger secured a loan switch to Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce under Jose Mourinho.
In 2025, Saint-Maximin signed with Mexican team Club America; however, after failing to adjust, he returned to European football to play briefly for Racing Club de Lens. Shortly thereafter, he relocated again, making the transfer to Major League Soccer franchise Charlotte FC, where he remains today.
His custom board game project, named Helios—which he states required several years of design work and trial runs—has already awarded tens of thousands of dollars in cash rewards to everyday players.
