Phil Foden’s Stunning Rejection of Elon Musk’s $80 Million Tesla Cybertruck Deal Shocks the World
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, billionaire Elon Musk has offered Manchester City’s midfield maestro Phil Foden an staggering $80 million to become the face of Tesla’s Cybertruck, the futuristic electric pickup that has polarized opinions since its 2023 debut. However, Foden’s bold response to the proposal has left fans, media, and even Musk himself reeling, igniting a global frenzy on X and beyond.
The offer, unveiled during a glitzy Tesla event in Los Angeles, was Musk’s latest attempt to boost the Cybertruck’s image amid declining Tesla sales in Europe and controversies over its design and safety. With Foden’s star power—cemented by his 2024 Premier League Player of the Season award and his pivotal role in City’s title-winning campaign—Musk saw the 25-year-old as the perfect ambassador to appeal to younger, affluent markets. The deal would have seen Foden star in a high-octane ad campaign, driving the Cybertruck through Manchester’s streets while showcasing its rugged, angular aesthetic and touted “bulletproof” exoskeleton.
But Foden, known for his quiet professionalism off the pitch, delivered a response that no one saw coming. In a statement posted on X, he politely but firmly declined, saying, “I’m flattered by Mr. Musk’s offer, but my focus is on football and my family. I can’t endorse a product I don’t fully believe in. I’d rather inspire kids to chase their dreams on the pitch than drive a truck that doesn’t align with my values.” He added, “I wish Tesla well, but this isn’t for me.”
The “values” Foden referenced sparked intense speculation. Sources close to the player revealed his concerns about the Cybertruck’s environmental footprint, citing the energy-intensive production of its massive battery and reports of lithium mining’s ecological toll. Foden, a father of three, is said to prioritize sustainability, supporting local Manchester charities focused on green initiatives. His rejection also alluded to the Cybertruck’s rocky reputation, including a 2025 recall of 46,000 units due to loose steel panels and a high-profile incident where a Cybertruck sank in Ventura Harbor, contradicting Musk’s claims of it functioning as a “boat.”
The football world erupted. Gary Neville called Foden’s stance “a masterclass in integrity,” while fans on X launched #FodenSaysNo, trending globally for 48 hours. Critics of Musk, already vocal about his political ties and Tesla’s 45% sales drop in Europe, hailed Foden as a symbol of resistance against corporate overreach. Meanwhile, Musk’s response was uncharacteristically subdued, tweeting, “Fair play, Phil. Keep scoring bangers.” Analysts suggest Musk was blindsided, having underestimated Foden’s commitment to authenticity over cash.
The fallout has amplified scrutiny on Tesla’s marketing strategy. With Cybertruck sales lagging behind competitors like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Musk’s reliance on celebrity endorsements has faltered, especially after similar rejections from other high-profile figures. For Foden, the decision has only burnished his reputation. Teammate Erling Haaland, dubbed a “monster” by Foden for his goal-scoring prowess, jokingly remarked, “Phil’s got more steel than that truck.”
This saga underscores a broader shift: athletes wielding their influence to stand for principle over profit. As Foden prepares for City’s next match, his rejection of Musk’s millions has made him not just a football hero but a global icon of conviction.
