Jordan Henderson is reportedly set to complete a move to Al Ettifaq, and in doing so triple the £200k a week wage he currently earns at Liverpool. The captain, who is also a leader for England, is leaning towards making the move, and in doing so is abandoning his morals for money.
The difference between Henderson and the rest of the players who have already moved to Saudi Arabia is that the England man has constantly been a supporter and source of inspiration for the LGBTQ+ community. He is one of football’s biggest supporters of the Rainbow Laces campaign and has spoken out several times in favour of gay rights and against homophobic chanting in football.
In a statement on Liverpool’s website, he spoke about the importance of openness and inclusivity in football and wider society. “I do believe when you see something that is clearly wrong and makes another human being feel excluded you should stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them. You also have a responsibility to educate yourself better around the challenges they experience.
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“That’s where my own position on homophobia in football is rooted. Before I’m a footballer, I’m a parent, a husband, a son, a brother and a friend to the people in my life who matter so much to me. The idea that any of them would feel excluded from playing or attending a football match, simply for being and identifying as who they are, blows my mind.
“The idea they’d have to hide from it to be accepted? But that’s exactly how too many members of the LGBT+ community feel. We know this because they tell us. So we should listen, support them and work to make it better.”
These words further assert Henderson’s place as a role model is the LGBTQ+ community and during the 33-year-old’s career he has been resolute in his beliefs and commitment to the cause. He’s also spoken about his desire to make it into England’s Euro 2024 squad by continuing to play at the highest level, so to see him jack all of the above in for a few extra quid leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
Kop Outs, a Liverpool LGBTQ+ fan group have also posted a statement regarding the move. “Kop Outs have valued the allyship shown by Jordan Henderson,” they posted on Twitter. “We are appalled and concerned that anyone might consider working for a sportswashing operation for a regime where women and LGBT+ people are oppressed and that regularly tops the world death sentence table. We hope that Jordan Henderson proves to be a man of his word and stays true to the values of our club, which so far he has been an absolute embodiment of.”
The financial aspect of this move is also important to consider. There isn’t a destination in the world that Henderson can’t visit on his holidays. He has enough money to buy a brand new house every single week and he and his family are set up for life. Once you earn a certain amount, the extra thousands don’t really matter.
What can Henderson do if he moves to Saudi for the next three years that he can’t do now? He’s already filthy rich, and his family have everything they could possibly desire. Talking of his family, will he uproot them for a few years, or will he miss out on key moments with his children by leaving them settled in England?
All logic dictates he should stay put, especially if he prioritises his role as an LGBTQ+ supporter in the sport. Selling his morals down the drain for some extra, unneeded, money feels like a bitter end to his impressive Liverpool career.
