Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has turned down a lucrative offer to join the Saudi Pro League.
A Public Investment Fund delegation, working on behalf of the country’s Ministry of Sport, reached out to the 24-year-old’s representatives to try and persuade him to become the face of the league ahead of the 2034 World Cup, which is set to be held in Saudi Arabia.
The hosts of the tournament will be confirmed at a FIFA congress on 11 December and Saudi’s bid is uncontested so far.
Real Madrid do not want to sell Vincius, whose release clause is €1billion. He is under contract until 2027 after signing an extension in 2022.
However, the Brazil international is happy in the Spanish capital and wants to fulfil his ambition of winning the Ballon d’Or as a Real Madrid player.
Saudi are expected to renew their interest in the future despite failing with the approach.
Vinicius Jr signed for Madrid for a fee of €45million ($49m; £38m at current exchange rates) from Brazilian club Flamengo in 2018.
Since then he has scored 93 goals in 263 appearances for the club in all competitions.
During his time at Real, he has won three La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues and two FIFA Club World Cups.
( Ira L. Black – Corbis/Getty Images)
