Allan Saint-Maximin has turned down a £22 million offer for Helios, a board game he created and developed himself. The former Newcastle player said the project was less about money than his desire to create something of his own.
Saint-Maximin launched Helios in January 2022.
The game is inspired by ancient Greek mythology and combines cards, dice and elements of chance. The aim is to earn coins or take them from an opponent.
The Frenchman said he had been interested in Zeus, Athena and other figures from mythology since childhood:
When I was little, I learned about Zeus and Athena and watched a lot of films and anime featuring them.
When you start to understand it all, you really fall in love with the subject.
The footballer spent two and a half years working on Helios. He tested the game with friends and even held small tournaments at home.
There was a lot of work and many sleepless nights because you have to come up with something new.
I tested the game with friends. We started holding small tournaments at home.
It all took two and a half years, but I'm very happy I didn't stop.
More than four years after its launch, the project attracted the attention of an unnamed company, which offered £22 million for it.
Saint-Maximin turned it down:
This journey isn't about money.
I want to create things, create jobs for people and give them opportunities.
The 29-year-old winger now plays for Charlotte in MLS.
After leaving Newcastle, he previously played in Saudi Arabia, Mexico and France.
In early 2026, Saint-Maximin also left America early after saying his children had been subjected to racist abuse.
