Allan Saint-Maximin Turns Down Massive £22 Million Offer for Helios Board Game
Former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin made headlines by turning down a massive £22 million offer to sell his free-to-play card and board game project named Helios. The French footballer, known for his flashy skills on the pitch during his time in the English Premier League, chose to protect his creative vision rather than accept the huge buyout sum. Speaking about the rejection, the player emphasized that his primary goal centers on building a community and generating employment opportunities rather than chasing an immediate financial payout.
The 2022 board game draws heavy inspiration from Greek mythology and requires players to balance risk and luck through carefully crafted rules and strategies designed by the athlete himself. Over the years, the project has grown a dedicated following of fans who regularly participate in organized tournaments and access the game through its mobile application. Despite the lucrative proposal from external buyers, Saint-Maximin remains steadfast in his refusal to give up total control of the intellectual property.
Understanding the Helios Board Game Project and Its Creator
The creation of Helios represents a significant passion project for Saint-Maximin, who spent considerable time designing the rules and mechanics himself. The game functions as a free-to-play experience, allowing broad access while maintaining a competitive scene supported by dedicated tournaments. In past competitive events, participants have reportedly received up to £25 million in prizes, showing the scale of the ecosystem the footballer aims to build.
Rather than selling the entire enterprise, the 29-year-old athlete prefers a collaborative business model where developers and contributors receive a stake in the company in return for their investment and labor. The social aspect remains the keystone of the entire venture. By keeping ownership structured around community involvement and shared stakes, the founder intends to create sustainable jobs and provide income opportunities for those who commit their time to playing and developing Helios.
Financial Context and Career Earnings in Saudi Arabia
To understand why a £22 million offer failed to sway the winger, financial context from his recent football career provides clear insight. In July 2023, Saint-Maximin completed a high-profile move to Saudi Arabia Professional League side Al-Ahli, signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. During his time in the Middle East, he played alongside international stars such as Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Edouard Mendy.
Addressing fans on social media who expressed shock at his decision to decline the buyout, the player revealed the extent of his earnings abroad. He stated that he has already earned €45 million net, equivalent to £37.6 million, over three years in Saudi Arabia. Because of this substantial financial foundation, a €26 million or £22 million proposal did not tempt him to abandon the project he spent years designing.
Career Journey Across Global Leagues
The French footballer has experienced a well-traveled career path since his departure from Newcastle United. Following his successful stint at Al-Ahli, he took on a loan switch to Turkish club Fenerbahce. Subsequent moves took him to Mexico to play for CF America, followed by a return to France with Lens as a free agent before eventually landing at his current Major League Soccer club, Charlotte.
Throughout these international relocations, Saint-Maximin maintained his commitment to developing Helios. Representing the France national team with seven caps to his name, the winger balances his professional athletic career with his entrepreneurial ambitions in the gaming sector. His ability to manage both high-level professional sports and game development highlights a distinct career trajectory compared to most modern footballers.
Why the Creator Refused the Buyout Offer
When external investors approached the athlete with the eight-figure proposal, his initial reaction involved humor combined with a firm rejection. Noting that it would take a billion euros to start a serious conversation, he clarified that the proposal was turned down for several distinct reasons. He explicitly stated that he prefers investors to buy into the project capital rather than purchasing the game outright from him.
The core motivation behind the project continues to be public engagement rather than personal enrichment. The winger reiterated that abandoning an entire creative vision for mere financial interests runs counter to his personal philosophy. By focusing on job creation and community building, the creator aims to ensure that Helios remains rooted in the community of players who helped propel it to popularity.
