Apple’s Tim Cook Shocks the Sports World with $245 Million Offer to Erling Haaland
Cupertino, California, July 12, 2025, 10:46 AM +07 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global sports community, Apple CEO Tim Cook has reportedly extended a jaw-dropping $245 million offer to Norwegian football sensation Erling Haaland. The proposal comes with a unique condition: Haaland must publicly endorse a new Apple product line, including featuring the latest iPhone model in a high-profile advertising campaign and using it during his upcoming matches. However, Haaland’s response—a single, cryptic sentence—has left fans, analysts, and the media utterly speechless.
The offer, according to sources close to the negotiations, aims to leverage Haaland’s massive global following to boost Apple’s latest technological innovations. The 24-year-old Manchester City striker, known for his record-breaking goal-scoring prowess, would be required to integrate the new iPhone into his on-field routines, showcasing features like enhanced video recording or fitness tracking to a worldwide audience. This bold partnership would mark a pioneering moment, blending the worlds of professional sports and cutting-edge technology in a way never seen before.
Haaland’s reply, however, has turned the narrative on its head. Sources reveal that the Norwegian star responded with a concise, “My focus is the pitch, not ads.” This succinct statement has sparked a frenzy across social media platforms like X, where fans and commentators are debating whether Haaland’s words reflect a principled stand or a strategic pause in negotiations. “Respect to Haaland for keeping it real!” posted one admirer, while another quipped, “$245 million? He’s either crazy or a genius!” The response has only intensified speculation about whether Apple will sweeten the deal or if Haaland will stick to his guns.
The timing of this offer aligns with Haaland’s meteoric rise in football. Fresh off a stellar season with Manchester City and a standout performance in the UEFA Champions League, the young striker is at the peak of his career. His marketability makes him a prime target for brands like Apple, which has been seeking to expand its influence in the sports sector. Yet, Haaland’s dedication to his craft—evident in his rigorous training regimen and focus on performance—suggests he may prioritize his sporting legacy over commercial ventures.
Reactions within the sports world are mixed. Some laud Haaland for maintaining his authenticity, viewing his rejection as a rare stance against the commercialization of athletics. Others argue that such a lucrative deal could set a precedent for future athlete-brand collaborations. Apple, for its part, has remained tight-lipped, but industry insiders suggest that Cook might revisit the offer with adjusted terms, potentially including more creative freedom for the player.
As the sports and tech worlds collide, all eyes are on Haaland’s next move. Will he soften his stance and embrace the opportunity, or will he continue to let his performance on the field do the talking? For now, his one-line retort has cemented his reputation as a player who marches to the beat of his own drum. The saga continues to unfold, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this unprecedented intersection of football and innovation.
