Saint-Maximin reveals he earned €45m net in three years playing in Saudi Arabia

Allan Saint-Maximin has revealed he earned €45 million (£37.5m) net during his three-year spell in Saudi Arabia, making the rare disclosure in a candid social media post aimed at explaining a business decision rather than a footballing one.

The 29-year-old French forward, currently playing for MLS side Charlotte FC, made the admission while addressing why he turned down an alleged €26 million (£21.7m) offer to buy out his custom-designed board game project, Helios. Saint-Maximin said he preferred investment in the venture over surrendering control, and outlined ambitions to use it to create jobs and run prize-giving tournaments for underprivileged communities.

“Rest assured, I’ve already earned 45 million net in three years in Saudi Arabia, so it’s not a 26 million offer that will shake me,” Saint-Maximin wrote to his followers. “A billion, maybe we will discuss it, but we are still far from it! 26 million is a good deal. But changing people’s lives is priceless.”

Saint-Maximin remains one of the more fondly remembered figures in Newcastle’s recent history. Signed from Nice in 2019, he was frequently the solitary bright spark during the difficult final years of Mike Ashley’s ownership, combining electric dribbling, trademark designer headbands, and a genuine rapport with supporters to offer the fanbase some relief before the club’s 2021 takeover.

He was sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for around £23 million in 2023, a transfer that attracted scrutiny from rival Premier League clubs given that both Newcastle and Al-Ahli share majority ownership under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). At Al-Ahli, he played alongside Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino.

Since leaving Saudi Arabia, Saint-Maximin’s career has taken a winding path. He spent time on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce under José Mourinho, then joined Mexican side Club América in 2025 before returning to Europe with Racing Club de Lens. He has since moved on to Charlotte FC, where he is currently based.

His board game project, Helios, which he claims took years to design and test, has already seen him distribute five-figure prize sums to participants — an extension of the community-focused ambitions he cited when declining the buyout approach.