Ajax star claims Hollywood actress Salma Hayek asked him to join French club

Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez has revealed that his compatriot attempted to get him to sign for Stade Rennais, who are owned by her husband, billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault

Posted Sunday, October 24, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Ajax star Edson Alvarez has claimed that Hollywood actress Salma Hayek once tried to get him to sign for Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais.

Both Alvarez and Hayek are Mexican and the Oscar nominee is married to the French club's owner, billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault.

After moving to Ajax from Club America in 2019, Hayek attempted to persuade Alvarez to move to France instead with the 23-year-old saying her approach left him "flattered".

Alvarez had been linked with a move to Stade Rennais during the summer transfer window having won a league and cup double with the Dutch giants last season.

Salma Hayek is married to Stade Rennais owner, Francois-Henri Pinault

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Alvarez explained: "As a well-known Mexican compatriot, she called me and tried to persuade me to come to France. That surprised and flattered me, but my choice for Ajax was certain and I explained that to her.

"She's a very great and famous actress all over the world because of her Hollywood films, a huge star. I hold her very high.

"She is an example because as a Mexican she fought to be where she is today."

Hayek has been married to Rennais owner Pinault since 2009 and the French billionaire has owned the three-time Coupe de France winners since 1998.

They won the Coupe de Ligue most recently in 2019, their only trophy under Pinault's ownership and reached the Champions League group stage last season, where they faced Premier League side Chelsea.

Alvarez came through the academy at Club America, Mexico's most successful club, before Ajax signed him for £13.5million in the summer of 2019.

He has gone on to make 73 appearances for the Dutch giants to date, chipping in with six goals and two assists from the base of midfield.

He is also an established Mexican international, having won 50 caps since making his debut against Iceland in February 2017, going on to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019.