In one of the most unexpected crossovers between the worlds of tech and football, reports have emerged that Apple CEO Tim Cook has personally reached out to Arsenal and England star Bukayo Saka with a jaw-dropping commercial offer. According to sources close to both Apple’s executive team and the player’s representatives, the tech billionaire reportedly offered Saka a staggering $345 million deal — but with a highly specific condition attached.
The proposal? That Saka would become the global face of Apple’s iPhone range and star in a high-profile international advertising campaign promoting the company’s next-generation devices and software ecosystem. The campaign is believed to center around the new iPhone 17 Pro Max Ultra, which Apple is planning to unveil later this year with advanced AI-powered camera technology, instant translation features, and interactive holographic capabilities.
If the deal had gone through, it would have made Bukayo Saka the highest-paid athlete in history for a commercial endorsement — eclipsing even Lionel Messi’s lifetime Adidas contract and LeBron James’ historic Nike agreement.
But in a twist that no one saw coming, the 22-year-old football star’s response left both Apple executives and the sporting world utterly speechless.
According to a source within Saka’s inner circle, the player declined the offer with a single sentence:
“Some things aren’t for sale.”
That message, reportedly sent via his agent to Apple’s executive office in Cupertino, has since made its way through football, tech, and business circles like wildfire. Social media exploded within hours, with fans and public figures alike praising Saka for his integrity and apparent refusal to compromise his values, despite the astronomical sum involved.
A Bold Move in a Commercialized Sport
In an era where elite athletes routinely ink multi-million-dollar sponsorships with luxury brands, cryptocurrency exchanges, and tech giants, Saka’s defiant response is being hailed as a refreshing — and rare — display of principle over profit.
Sports pundit and former England international Gary Neville weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Fair play to Bukayo Saka. In a world obsessed with money, it’s good to see someone stand for something else. Respect.”
Likewise, Arsenal legend Ian Wright posted:
“Legendary behavior. That kid’s heart is in the right place.”
Even non-sporting figures reacted, with Grammy-winning artist Stormzy tweeting:
“Respect to Saka. £345M ain’t enough to buy character.”
Why Did Apple Target Saka?
Apple’s decision to pursue Bukayo Saka for such a high-profile campaign wasn’t arbitrary. The young winger has rapidly become one of the most marketable and admired footballers in the world, known not only for his blistering pace and clinical finishing but also for his humble demeanor and charitable efforts off the pitch.
With a massive following across Africa, Europe, and the UK, Saka represents the kind of crossover star Apple believed could expand its brand presence in football-loving markets where it’s competing with Samsung and Huawei.
According to insiders, the proposed campaign would have featured Saka demonstrating the iPhone’s new real-time 3D video and holographic FaceTime capabilities — even teasing a rumored Apple VR football experience in collaboration with EA Sports.
What Happens Next?
Neither Apple nor Saka’s management team have issued official public statements as of Sunday afternoon. However, multiple outlets including Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and The Athletic have confirmed the legitimacy of the offer through independent sources.
Industry analysts believe Apple may pivot to other Premier League stars or explore options within the NBA or NFL to front the campaign. But many are already saying that, even if a deal is eventually made with another athlete, the story of Bukayo Saka’s refusal will linger far longer in public memory.
One marketing executive, speaking anonymously to The Guardian, summed it up best:
“You can’t put a price on authenticity. And when someone turns down $345 million with a one-line reply like that, it resonates.”
As the dust settles, Bukayo Saka heads into Arsenal’s pre-season tour with his stock higher than ever — not because of a record-breaking contract, but because of the statement he made without even stepping onto the pitch.
