The baseball world and international media, particularly in Italy, were left stunned when Los Angeles Dodgers star Freddie Freeman reportedly accepted a $45 million advertising deal from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, only to follow it with a pointed statement: “Your money is made from user information. I don’t want that money.” The alleged exchange, which surfaced through unverified posts on social media platforms like X and amplified by Italian outlets, has sparked intense debate about Freeman’s motives, the ethics of advertising revenue, and the validity of the story itself. While no major news source has confirmed the claim, the narrative has captivated fans and ignited discussions about privacy and wealth in sports.
Freeman, a former MVP and eight-time All-Star, is a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ lineup, fresh off a 2024 World Series victory where he earned MVP honors. His $162 million, six-year contract with Los Angeles, signed in 2022, has made him one of baseball’s highest-paid players, with additional endorsement deals pushing his annual earnings well into the millions. The reported $45 million offer from Zuckerberg was supposedly for Freeman to promote Meta’s AI initiatives, leveraging his clean-cut image and global appeal, particularly in markets like Italy, where baseball is gaining traction. Italian media outlets, intrigued by Freeman’s Italian heritage through his mother’s side, have heavily covered the story, framing it as a moral stand against Big Tech.
The quote attributed to Freeman has fueled speculation. By allegedly accepting the deal and then rejecting the money due to Meta’s business model—built on harvesting user data for targeted advertising—Freeman appears to take a principled stance. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, generated $134.9 billion in ad revenue in 2024, largely from user data, a practice that has drawn scrutiny since the 2018 Cambridge Analytica scandal. Freeman’s reported comment echoes growing public unease about data privacy, a sentiment that resonates in Italy, where GDPR regulations have heightened awareness of tech companies’ data practices.
However, the story’s credibility is shaky. No verifiable evidence, such as a direct statement from Freeman or Zuckerberg, supports the claim. Similar stories have circulated, including a debunked rumor about Shohei Ohtani rejecting a $30 million offer from Elon Musk with nearly identical wording. Fact-checking sites have flagged these narratives as potential AI-generated hoaxes, designed to go viral by pairing high-profile figures with provocative statements. The Italian media’s fascination may stem from Freeman’s ancestral ties and the country’s growing interest in baseball, but their coverage lacks primary sources, relying instead on social media buzz.
Freeman’s on-field performance remains stellar. In 2025, he’s batting .297 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs through July, anchoring the Dodgers’ push for another championship. His off-field persona—charitable, family-oriented, and media-shy—makes the reported stand plausible to some fans, who see it as consistent with his values. Freeman has supported pediatric cancer research through his foundation, and his reluctance to engage in controversial endorsements aligns with his low-key approach. Yet, accepting a deal only to reject it publicly seems out of character, raising doubts about the story’s authenticity.
Zuckerberg’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue. Known for bold moves, like his $14.3 billion acquisition of Scale AI to bolster Meta’s AI ambitions, Zuckerberg has a history of leveraging high-profile figures for branding. His reported interest in Freeman could be tied to Meta’s push to integrate AI into advertising, a sector where Freeman’s wholesome image could appeal to diverse audiences. However, Zuckerberg’s focus on AI talent acquisition and his public statements about prioritizing cultural influence over profit suggest he might not prioritize such an offer.
The Italian media’s amplification of the story has sparked a cultural moment, with outlets like Corriere dello Sport speculating about Freeman’s influence on European sports marketing. Fans on X have praised his supposed rejection, with posts garnering thousands of likes, though many question the story’s origins. The lack of confirmation from Freeman’s camp or the Dodgers, combined with the story’s resemblance to other debunked claims, suggests it may be a fabrication. Still, it has prompted discussions about athletes’ roles in navigating corporate ethics.
As Freeman prepares for the Dodgers’ next series, the focus will likely shift back to his bat and glove. Whether the story is true or a viral myth, it underscores the tension between sports, wealth, and privacy in the digital age. Freeman’s alleged words, real or not, have struck a chord, reminding the world that even in a data-driven era, some stars may prioritize principles over profit.
