The FIFA World Cup showcases the world's greatest soccer players on the biggest stage in sports. Away from the pitch, many of these athletes share another passion: watch collecting.
From iconic Rolex sports watches to ultra-complicated Jacob & Co. creations and Richard Mille masterpieces, some of soccer's biggest stars have become serious watch enthusiasts.
Below are some of the watches worn by the game's most recognizable players and what makes them stand out.
Lionel Messi
As one of the most accomplished players in soccer history, Lionel Messi has built a collection that ranges from classic Swiss sports watches to limited-edition models created specifically in his honor.
Jacob & Co. Epic X Chrono Messi
Case size: 47mm
Thickness: 14mm
Lug width: Integrated strap system
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Created in collaboration with Messi, the Epic X Chrono Messi incorporates his logo and signature throughout the design. Available in multiple materials, it remains one of the watches most closely associated with the Argentine superstar.
Rolex Daytona "Panda"
Case size: 40mm
Thickness: 12.2mm
Lug width: 20mm
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Rolex Daytona has become one of the most sought-after chronographs in modern watchmaking. Messi has been spotted wearing the white-dial "Panda" configuration, a model known for its balanced design and strong collector demand.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Case size: 40mm
Thickness: 8.3mm
Lug width: Integrated bracelet system
Water resistance: 120m
Crystal: Sapphire
Designed by Gérald Genta, the Nautilus has become one of the most influential luxury sports watches ever created. Messi has been seen wearing several highly desirable Nautilus references over the years.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
Case size: 41mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Lug width: Integrated bracelet system
Water resistance: 50m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Royal Oak helped define the modern luxury sports watch category. With its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, it remains one of the most recognizable designs in watchmaking and a fitting addition to Messi's collection.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has assembled one of the most extravagant watch collections in sports, featuring everything from gem-set Rolex models to some of Jacob & Co.'s most technically ambitious creations.
Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon
Case size: 54mm x 44mm
Thickness: 20mm+
Lug width: Integrated strap system
Water resistance: 30m
Crystal: Sapphire
Inspired by the engine of the Bugatti Chiron, this watch features a miniature W16 engine animation visible through the case. It is one of the most visually dramatic watches ever produced.
Jacob & Co. Epic X Heart of CR7
Case size: 44mm
Thickness: 13mm
Lug width: Integrated strap system
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Created in partnership with Ronaldo, the Epic X Heart of CR7 incorporates design elements inspired by his personal brand and career.
Rolex GMT-Master II Ice
Case size: 40mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug width: 20mm
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
One of the most famous watches in Ronaldo's collection, the GMT-Master II Ice is covered in diamonds and showcases Rolex's gem-setting expertise.
Rolex Daytona Platinum
Case size: 40mm
Thickness: 12.2mm
Lug width: 20mm
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
Featuring an ice-blue dial and platinum case, the Daytona Platinum represents one of the most prestigious versions of Rolex's iconic chronograph.
Neymar Jr.
Neymar Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most active watch collectors in professional soccer, with a collection that spans multiple brands and styles.
Richard Mille RM 11-03
Case size: 49.9mm x 44.5mm
Thickness: 16.2mm
Lug width: Integrated strap system
Water resistance: 50m
Crystal: Sapphire
The RM 11-03 is one of Richard Mille's most recognizable models, featuring a skeletonized dial, tonneau-shaped case, and flyback chronograph movement.
Patek Philippe Nautilus
Case size: 40mm
Thickness: 8.3mm
Lug width: Integrated bracelet system
Water resistance: 120m
Crystal: Sapphire
Neymar has been seen wearing several Nautilus references, adding one of watchmaking's most iconic designs to his collection.
Kylian Mbappé
As a global ambassador for Hublot, Kylian Mbappé is frequently seen wearing some of the brand's most recognizable models.
Hublot Big Bang Integrated
Case size: 42mm
Thickness: 13.5mm
Lug width: Integrated bracelet system
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Big Bang Integrated combines Hublot's signature case design with a fully integrated bracelet, creating a modern sports watch with strong wrist presence.
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang
Case size: 42mm
Thickness: 14mm+
Lug width: Integrated strap system
Water resistance: 100m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Spirit of Big Bang places Hublot's design language within a tonneau-shaped case, creating a distinctive alternative to traditional round sports watches.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has quickly become one of the most recognizable athletes associated with Breitling.
Breitling Chronomat B01
Case size: 42mm
Thickness: 15.1mm
Lug width: 22mm
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Chronomat combines robust construction with a versatile chronograph layout, making it one of Breitling's flagship collections.
Breitling Super Chronomat
Case size: 44mm
Thickness: 14.5mm
Lug width: 22mm
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
The Super Chronomat takes the Chronomat platform even further with a larger case and bolder design language.
Why Soccer and Watch Collecting Go Hand in Hand
Soccer is a sport built on precision, timing, and performance. Watch collecting celebrates many of those same qualities.
For many players, watches represent important milestones. League titles, international tournaments, World Cup appearances, and career achievements are often commemorated with significant additions to a collection.
As a result, soccer and horology have become increasingly connected, with some of the world's most recognizable athletes also becoming some of the world's most visible watch collectors.
The Bottom Line
From Rolex Daytonas and Patek Philippe Nautilus models to Richard Mille masterpieces and Jacob & Co. complications, soccer's biggest stars wear some of the most recognizable watches in modern watchmaking.
While their styles differ, each collection reflects a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, performance, and design—qualities that define both elite athletes and exceptional timepieces.