Football has had quite an eventful past few years with the men’s Euros, women’s Euros, FIFA Men’s World Cup and now the Euro’s men’s in 2024, all ensuring the football fever is back in the air. But sometimes, it’s more about the footballer than the game itself.
Footballers are role models for young adults who deeply scrutinise their lifestyle, including their luxury accessories. Yes, there’s more to them than their skills on the field. And a luxury watch is often the first thing that gets their attention. Why not! The footballers splash their cash on luxury watches that not only serve as their status symbol but also highlight their style and personal taste.
Naturally, we were curious to find out what watches these elites have in their collections, and here we are, ready with the list.
Top 5 Football Legends and Their Favorite Watches
1. LIONEL MESSI
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players in history and is a football legend, especially after Argentina’s World Cup win in Qatar. He has netted over 800 senior career goals and claimed seven prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, the most ever by any player. His style is synonymous with elegance, precision, and timelessness.
While Messi is one of football’s biggest stars, many don’t realise that he also shares a keen interest in fine timepieces. Lionel Messi is known to host a vast collection of luxury watches from the world’s most iconic watch brands, including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jacob & Co, and many others. Furthermore, these brands have produced limited edition models in honour of the legendary football player.
But the one watch we spotted on his wrist that was noticeably different was the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 116655 in 18ct Everose gold. It has a black ceramic bezel, a black dial and a sporty black Oysterflex bracelet. This Yacht-Master is a practical choice and perfectly complements his refined taste.
2. ALEXIA PUTELLAS
Alexia Putellas is one of the best footballers in the world, and Barcelona FC fans consider her one of the greatest midfielders in the game. Apart from being the second-highest all-time scorer in Barcelona’s women’s team, she has made the most appearances for Spain’s international team, with a record-breaking 100 caps.
However, she is not just dynamic on the field; Alexia Putellas has a keen interest in fashion, which remains evident in her sponsorship deals. She is the brand ambassador for the high-street fashion brand Mango and an ardent lover of Hublot. The star midfielder has frequently been seen wearing Hublot watches on numerous occasions, even while accepting her UEFA Player of the Year awards trophy.
Alexia opted for a diamond-encrusted Hublot Classic Fusion King for the big event. The 33-mm Hublot Classic Fusion King, in 18ct gold, set with 36 diamonds and a gorgeous black dial, is ideal for any special occasion.
3. CRISTIANO RONALDO
The OG of football, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the most influential footballers the world has ever seen. He is also the most-followed footballer on Instagram, with 637M followers. Naturally, when his influence is so huge, everything about Ronaldo is under the lens, including his luxury watches. Ronaldo’s collection of high-end luxury watches is as impressive as his career, featuring some of the world’s most sophisticated and opulent timepieces.
Among many of his favourites, the watch that caught our attention the most was the Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Ice’ – a testament to his status and luxurious lifestyle as a football legend. This stunning Rolex watch is completely encrusted with diamonds and crafted from 18ct white gold, making it one of the most desirable watches from the Rolex’s lineup. The ‘Ice’ Rolex is perfect for someone who embodies excellence and luxury, and Ronaldo definitely deserves it.
The megastar is also a fan of prestigious brands like Hublot, Tag Heuer, Girard-Perregaux, Jacob & Co, Bvlgari, Franck Muller, and others—many of which are encrusted with diamonds and other precious gemstones.
4. KYLIAN MBAPPE
Representing the next generation of football superstars, Kylian Mbappe is known for his terrific scores and unquenchable thirst for records. At just 25, he has become the face of French soccer. Mbappé’s watch selection highlights his vibrant, dynamic style and modern, forward-thinking approach. His watch collection includes some of the most advanced timepieces, showcasing his appreciation for luxury and performance.
One of his most striking watches is the Hublot Big Bang Unico—a technologically advanced and bold timepiece, much like Mbappé’s playing style. The watch features a 45mm ceramic or carbon fibre case and houses a skeleton dial, showcasing its fine, intricate detailing.
Another standout watch from Mbappé’s collection is the Hublot Big Bang Millennial Pink, a unique timepiece with a progressive design. It seems that all his watches align with his mindset and position as a rising leader in football.
5. ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI
Robert Lewandowski, captain of the Polish national team and striker for Bayern Munich, favours two luxury watch brands in particular—Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. The Best FIFA Men’s winner in 2020 and 2021 is considered one of the world’s best players, and the watches he wears well reflect his flair and panache. His choice of watch brands reflects his vibrant personality and love for eye-catching and luxurious timepieces.
For instance, Lewandowski wore his Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin Royal Oak Tourbillon Ref. 26522ST with a purple dial while accepting the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2020 and picked to wear the Patek Philippe Chronograph Nautilus Ref. 5980/1R-001 in 18ct rose gold while accepting the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award in 2020. Both watches are an extraordinary presentation of his appreciation for everything classy, sophisticated and distinct.
Other notable pieces in Lewandowski’s collection include the limited edition Audemars Piguet Chronograph, a two-tone Patek Philippe Nautilus, a steel Nautilus Annual Calendar, a steel Patek Philippe Aquanaut, and a Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. Robert Lewandowski’s taste in watches simply underscores his enduring influence in fashion and football.
LASTLY..
It’s clear that the watches worn by football legends are not mere accessories but an extension of their careers and personalities. Although your favourite footballer may wear only one piece at a time, that doesn’t stop them from indulging in an entire collection of exquisite luxury watches.
But we can definitely conclude that footballers tend to be inclined to a few big watch brands: Rolex, Hublot, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or a football fanatic, these iconic timepieces showcase the perfect fusion of sport and style that captivates audiences around the globe.
While most of us will never achieve the athletic level of these masters, we can definitely set our sights on scoring some of the high-end luxury watches they include in their curated collections!
