The Saudi Arabia Offer That Brought Javier Aguirre Back Inside the Coach’s Life-Changing Moment
Discover how Javier Aguirre’s decision to reject a lucrative Saudi Arabia coaching contract reshaped his family life and career — and ultimately brought him back to management in Spain .
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In 2011 Javier Aguirre then managing Real Zaragoza received a staggering offer to coach the Saudi Arabian national team . What initially seemed like a dream contract became a pivotal moment in his life — one that was defined not by money but by family . Aguirre’s decision to walk away from millions changed the course of his coaching career anchoring him more deeply in Europe and aligning his path with personal values over financial ambition .
The Initial Approach
Before Frank Rijkaard ultimately took over the Saudi Arabia job Aguirre was the federations top choice . He revealed in interviews that he met with representatives in Madrid multiple times . Despite initially declining the Saudis persistently returned with increasingly generous offers . Eventually they presented a financial proposal so immense that Aguirre himself described it as “ irrejectable .”
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However what followed wasn’t a routine negotiation but a moment that would crystallize the foundation of his priorities .
A Blank Cheque and Personal Values
Aguirre later recalled that he discussed the offer with his wife. Her response was clear and unambiguous
“You can go to Saudi Arabia alone and ask for the divorce while you’re at it . I’m better off in Palma with her .
Delivered with humor her words struck a serious chord. Aguirre realized that accepting the job would mean compromising his family life and uprooting everything they valued . Despite the overwhelming financial temptation he chose to stay — a decision rooted in love loyalty and emotional grounding .
The Consequences of the Decision
Turning down the Saudi deal allowed Aguirre to continue with Zaragoza and later return to manage Mexico . He eventually held positions at Espanyol Leganés and Osasuna before finding notable success at Real Mallorca . There he not only brought stability but also pulled the team out of relegation threats — twice .
These achievements deeply intertwined with the decision to stay close to his family might never have occurred had he moved to Saudi Arabia . Remaining in Europe enabled him to continue growing professionally while maintaining his personal foundation .
Legacy and Career Reflections
Aguirre’s story exemplifies the classic tension in professional sports money versus values . Many in football face offers from oil-rich leagues and nations that promise wealth beyond imagination . Yet Aguirre’s case shows that fulfillment isn’t always linked to financial gain . By prioritizing his family he stayed aligned with his principles which in turn fortified his coaching approach — one grounded in resilience emotional intelligence and loyalty .
In 2024 Aguirre even returned to manage the Mexican national team again playing a key role in their roadmap toward the 2026 World Cup . His ethos — shaped by that fateful decision — remains integral to his leadership style and public persona .
Conclusion
The Saudi Arabian offer was more than a job opportunity — it was a fork in the road . Aguirre’s refusal to take the money in favor of preserving his family life redefined his personal and professional identity . The “disaster” that could have taken him far from home instead brought him closer to what mattered most. In choosing love over luxury he not only protected his marriage but also opened the door to a career marked by authenticity and purpose .