Phil Foden Stuns the World by Turning Down Elon Musk’s $80 Million Cybertruck Deal
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the worlds of sports and business, Manchester City’s midfield sensation Phil Foden has reportedly turned down a jaw-dropping $80 million offer from billionaire Elon Musk to become the face of Tesla’s Cybertruck. The story, which broke during a star-studded Tesla event in Los Angeles, has ignited a global frenzy across social media, leaving fans, pundits, and even Musk himself stunned.
Musk’s bold proposal was the latest effort to revive the Cybertruck’s image amid slumping Tesla sales in Europe and ongoing controversies over the vehicle’s unconventional design and safety record. With Foden’s meteoric rise—crowned 2024 Premier League Player of the Season and a key figure in City’s title-winning run—Musk believed the 25-year-old could help the Cybertruck capture the imagination of younger, affluent buyers. The campaign was set to feature Foden tearing through Manchester’s streets in the angular, “bulletproof” truck, highlighting its futuristic appeal.
But in a move few anticipated, Foden, known for his quiet humility off the pitch, issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) politely but firmly declining the offer. “I’m flattered by Mr. Musk’s approach, but my focus remains 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. I wish Tesla well, but this isn’t for me,” Foden wrote.
His reference to “values” sparked widespread speculation. Insiders revealed that Foden has deep concerns about the environmental impact of the Cybertruck, including the energy-intensive production of its massive batteries and the ecological damage caused by lithium mining. As a father of three, Foden is reportedly committed to sustainability, regularly supporting local green charities in Manchester. The midfielder’s rejection also alluded to the Cybertruck’s troubled reputation, notably a 2025 recall affecting 46,000 units due to faulty steel panels and the infamous incident where a Cybertruck sank in Ventura Harbor—contradicting Musk’s claims that it could function as a boat.
The football community erupted. Manchester United legend Gary Neville hailed Foden’s stance as “a masterclass in integrity,” while the hashtag #FodenSaysNo trended worldwide for days. Critics of Musk, already vocal about Tesla’s 45% sales plunge in Europe and the CEO’s controversial public persona, celebrated Foden as a symbol of resistance against corporate excess. Even Musk seemed taken aback, responding on X with a rare note of humility: “Fair play, Phil. Keep scoring bangers.”
Industry analysts say the episode has cast a harsh spotlight on Tesla’s celebrity-driven marketing strategy. With Cybertruck sales lagging behind rivals like Ford’s F-150 Lightning, Musk’s reliance on high-profile endorsements appears to be faltering—especially after similar rejections from other stars. For Foden, meanwhile, the decision has only burnished his reputation. His teammate Erling Haaland, himself a superstar, quipped, “Phil’s got more steel than that truck.”
This saga marks a turning point: athletes are increasingly using their platforms to stand for principles over profit. As Foden gears up for City’s next match, his refusal of Musk’s millions has made him not just a football hero, but a global icon of conviction.
