I agree with the first paragraph, the second one, I'm not so sure. The Saudis don't want young lads, they want recognised names (usually at the end of their careers, the more successful, the better) to sell their product which is easier accepted and sold if the people they are selling to know the players thus legitimising the product ie sportswashing.
I've got no respect for any player taking money from an employer who dismembers bodies over perceived crimes. It really should be very easy to turn down.
Whatever you think of Djokovic and his refusal to take the Covid vaccine (not intending to open this debate up), he has turned down millions in earnings and guaranteed trophies to stay true to his beliefs. (I don't necessarily agree with his beliefs). A tennis player's career is of similar length to a footballer's.
I don't think that we should just accept that all footballers have no principles. Some must have.
The trouble is principles and understandings normally come with age, so I’d be less surprised/disappointed with Neves in his mid 20’s taking the doe than I would with Ronaldo or Benzema in their late 30’s

