# Allan Saint-Maximin Rejects 26 Million Euro Offer for Board Game The footballer prioritizes social impact and creative control over a lucrative buyout deal. - **Source:** [Ouest-France](https://www.ouest-france.fr) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/eb74fefe-536e-4916-98de-19d2094ec6fe ## High-Stakes Game Rejection Professional footballer Allan Saint-Maximin recently turned down a 26 million euro buyout offer for his Greek mythology-themed card game, Helios. The player, currently competing for FC Charlotte in the MLS, revealed the decision during an interview with The Athletic, emphasizing that the game holds personal creative value beyond its current financial appraisal. ## Strategic Equity Preference Saint-Maximin clarified on Instagram that he is not opposed to all business deals, but specifically rejected a total sale of his project. He prefers potential investors to enter as equity partners rather than acquiring the game entirely. This approach allows him to maintain control over the game's development and long-term strategic vision. ## Financial Independence Context Addressing public surprise regarding the rejection, the athlete noted his financial stability, citing 45 million euros in net earnings over three years in Saudi Arabia. He jokingly remarked that while 26 million euros is significant, it does not pressure him to sell, suggesting only a one billion euro offer might warrant serious discussion. ## Focus on Social Impact The primary motivation behind Helios is the creation of employment and opportunities for others. Saint-Maximin intends to operate the project for the benefit of the public rather than personal profit. He aims to maximize gains for those in need, noting that previous tournaments have already distributed 30,000 euros in prizes to participants. ## Creative Autonomy and Vision For Saint-Maximin, the game serves as a creative outlet where he defines the rules and gameplay mechanics. Selling the project would strip him of the ability to steer its evolution and social mission. He views the game as a platform for community engagement rather than a standard commercial asset for quick liquidation. ## Professional Athletic Background Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Saint-Maximin maintains a career in professional football, having previously played for RC Lens. His transition to the MLS with FC Charlotte marks a new chapter in his career, yet he continues to balance high-level sports performance with his growing interest in game design and social entrepreneurship projects. ## Industry Trends in Gaming The intersection of professional sports and the board game industry is becoming increasingly visible as athletes seek diverse investment portfolios. Saint-Maximin’s case highlights a shift where high-net-worth individuals prioritize brand ownership and social impact over immediate capital gains, reflecting a broader trend of athletes acting as active founders rather than passive investors. ## Future Project Trajectory As Saint-Maximin continues to develop Helios, observers will look for how he integrates his social goals into future tournament structures. By rejecting the buyout, he has committed to a long-term growth strategy. The success of this model will depend on his ability to scale the game while maintaining his stated philanthropic commitments. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ouest-france.fr/sport/football/pourquoi-le-footballeur-allan-saint-maximin-na-pas-voulu-vendre-son-jeu-de-societe-a-26-millions-deuros-71ff6d3a-da19-11f1-a45f-49114163a350?utm_source=fluxpublicactu&utm_medium=fluxrss&utm_campaign=banquedecontenu — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._