In an unexpected twist that has shaken the foundations of the football world, Real Madrid’s young Turkish talent, Arda Güler, finds himself at the center of an unprecedented controversy after receiving an astronomical offer from Apple CEO Tim Cook. According to sources close to the player’s entourage, Cook, known for his activism in support of LGBT rights, has proposed a sponsorship contract valued at $199 million. The main condition of this offer is that Güler, just 19 years old, actively participate in advertising campaigns promoting the LGBT cause at every event in which he is involved, whether with his club or the Turkish national team. This proposal, which combines commercial and social interests, has immediately generated a stir in the sports world, not only due to the economic magnitude of the deal, but also due to the personal and professional implications it represents for the young footballer.
Arda Güler, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Fenerbahçe for a fee close to €30 million, has been considered one of the most promising players in world football. His talent on the pitch, characterized by his skill on the ball, his vision, and his ability to create offensive opportunities, has made him an icon in Turkey and a future bet for Real Madrid. However, his first season at the Santiago Bernabéu has not been easy. Injuries, a lack of continuity, and fierce competition in a team packed with stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo have limited his playing time. Despite this, Güler has shown glimpses of his quality in the few matches he has played, including three goals and five assists in just 967 minutes this season, according to recent data.
Tim Cook’s offer comes at a critical time for Güler, who has reportedly expressed frustration with the lack of opportunities at Real Madrid. The financial proposal is undoubtedly tempting: $199 million represents a figure that far exceeds the value of his transfer to the Merengue club and would place him among the highest-paid athletes in the world. However, the condition of appearing in advertisements supporting the LGBT cause has generated intense debate, both in the media and among fans. In Turkey, where Güler is a national idol, reactions have been mixed, with conservative sectors expressing their rejection of the idea, while others see this offer as an opportunity for the youngster to become a global figure beyond football.
In response to this proposal, Arda Güler issued a public statement that has left the sports world in shock. In a brief but powerful statement, the player stated: “I appreciate the interest and the generosity of the offer, but my priority is and always will be football. My commitment is to Real Madrid, my teammates, and the fans who support me. I will not make decisions that divert my focus from becoming the best player possible for my club and my country.” These words, which reflect unusual maturity for his age, have been interpreted as a rejection of Cook’s offer, although it has not been ruled out that negotiations could continue privately.
The impact of this statement has been immediate. On social media, Real Madrid fans have praised Güler’s loyalty to the club, while others have debated the implications of rejecting such a large fee. Some analysts suggest that Güler’s decision could be influenced by the cultural and social context in Turkey, where public support for LGBT causes can generate controversy. However, it also highlights his desire to avoid external distractions and focus on cementing his place in Real Madrid’s demanding squad, where the pressure to perform is constant.
The club, for its part, has maintained a supportive stance toward its young star. Internal sources claim that Real Madrid sees Güler as a long-term project and is unwilling to facilitate an exit, despite interest from clubs such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United, who have offered fees of up to €60 million for him. The Merengue board is confident that, with more playing time and improved defensive intensity, Güler can reach the level of players like Mesut Özil, to whom he is frequently compared due to his playing style.
This episode undoubtedly marks a turning point in Arda Güler’s career. His decision to prioritize football over a multi-million-dollar offer establishes him as a player committed to his professional development, but it also raises questions about how he will handle the media pressure and expectations in the coming months. Meanwhile, the football world is eagerly awaiting the next steps of one of the most promising players in the beautiful game.
