Why Are Footballers Choosing to Play in Saudi Arabia?
In recent years, we have seen a growing trend of footballers at the peak of their careers choosing to play in Saudi Arabia. This raises the question of why these players are opting for a move to the Saudi Pro League and how much money is enough for them.
One recent example is Ivan Toney, who recently made a big-money move to Saudi club Al-Ahli. As he stood listening to the chant fans had composed for him, it’s clear that Toney was contemplating his decision. The allure of a lucrative contract and financial security may have played a significant role in his choice.
But is money really enough to bring happiness? Studies suggest that there is a threshold beyond which money cannot buy happiness. Nobel-prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman believes this threshold lies somewhere between £60,000-120,000 per year. Beyond this point, cultivating deep friendships, learning, and making memorable experiences are more likely to bring fulfillment.
However, the relative income effect complicates matters for footballers. If their peers are making more money than them, they are more likely to feel dissatisfied with their earnings. Footballers are constantly exposed to the astronomical sums paid to their colleagues, which can create a sense of rivalry and dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, there are arguments in favor of players choosing to play in Saudi Arabia. N’Golo Kante’s performance at the Euros this summer is a prime example. Playing in the Pro League has seemingly helped him manage his chronic hamstring injury better than the punishing intensity of the Premier League. Additionally, for players nearing the end of their careers, playing internationally while earning significant sums in a less demanding league can be an attractive proposition.
However, there are significant trade-offs when choosing to play in Saudi Arabia. Players sacrifice the privilege of playing at the pinnacle of their sport in front of passionate supporters at iconic stadiums. Moreover, they may face criticism for supporting a problematic state’s nation-building efforts. These factors can undoubtedly impact a player’s overall satisfaction and sense of fulfillment.
Ultimately, the key factor to consider is time. A football career is short, and while players can continue to earn money indefinitely, time is finite. When given the choice between more money or more time, research consistently shows that choosing time leads to a better life.
In the case of Ivan Toney, the reported £50 million he is set to bank is an incomprehensible sum. However, there is an opportunity cost associated with this decision. Toney may miss out on the player he could have become, the international goals he could have scored, and valuable time spent enriching his life with friends and creating lasting memories.
In conclusion, the decision for footballers to play in Saudi Arabia is a complex one. While financial security is undoubtedly appealing, there are other factors to consider, such as personal fulfillment, competition, and the trade-offs of leaving behind the pinnacle of the sport. Ultimately, the choice between money and time is a deeply personal one, but research consistently suggests that choosing time leads to a more fulfilling life.