The best watches worn by top players at the World Cup so far

Players are bringing their watch A-game to this year's World Cup. From Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to Neymar and Harry Kane, we’ve rounded up the standout luxury timepieces spotted throughout the tournament

Neymar: Rolex Lady-Datejust

Neymar may have missed Brazil’s opening match from the sidelines due to injury, but he still brought serious style to the stands. The Brazilian star was spotted wearing a dazzling Rolex Lady-Datejust in yellow gold – a gem-set masterpiece released at Watches and Wonders 2021. The 28mm timepiece is encrusted with 931 brilliant-cut diamonds across the case, bracelet and dial, with black Roman numerals providing sharp contrast against the brilliant ice.

Kylian Mbappé: Hublot Big Bang Original Seddiqi Edition

Before breaking France’s all-time goalscoring record in his game against Senegal, Kylian Mbappé was spotted wearing one of two two limited Big Bang editions. Released by the Swiss maison at Dubai Watch Week 2025, the pair was created in honour of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons – the family-owned luxury retailer that founded the event in 2015. Both versions feature dials with Arabic applied gold numerals and self-winding movements with solid-gold rotors engraved with a special Seddiqi logo. One is crafted in full black ceramic, while the other is made of titanium. Mbappé chose the titanium edition, limited to just 25 pieces.

Lionel Messi: Rolex Day-Date

Argentine superstar Lionel Messi flexed one of the hottest new Rollies before notching three goals against Algeria and tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the World Cup’s all-time goal-scoring record. Introduced at Watches & Wonders 2026, the 41mm watch features Rolex’s new alloy dubbed “Jubilee Gold” – a proprietary 18k metal that shifts across tones of tender yellow, warm grey and soft pink depending on the light – on the 41 mm case, bezel and bracelet, along with an aventurine dial. The Crown began experimenting with this stone in the 1970s and revisited it in 2023, but this time it is presented in an elegant pale green.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Patek Philippe Nautilus Haute Joaillerie 

Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo may not have shone as brightly as expected on the pitch against DR Congo, but his wrist certainly did. Before kick-off, Ronaldo was spotted wearing a spectacular high-jewellery Patek Philippe (Ref. 5811/1460G-001), presented at Watches and Wonders 2025. The white-gold timepiece is fully iced with 195 baguette-cut diamonds and 1,285 brilliant-cut diamonds, arranged in a rhythmic, brick-like pattern that introduces a subtle graphic effect. Almost every surface of the case, bezel, bracelet and dial is pavé-set with stones, making it an extravagant – and perfectly fitting – statement piece for the football legend’s final swansong.

Harry Kane: Patek Philippe Nautilus

Before scoring a pair against Croatia, England captain Harry Kane showed off one of the most anticipated releases of the year – the latest Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 5610/1P-001). Unveiled at Watches and Wonders in April to celebrate the iconic model’s 50th anniversary, the focus is on essentials: hours and minutes only, no seconds, no date, just the signature horizontally embossed blue dial. It comes on a full platinum bracelet featuring Patek Philippe’s recently reintroduced quick adjust clasp, and uses the same front loading case construction of the 1978 original. It is offered in both white gold and platinum, with the platinum version distinguished by the signature diamond set at 9 o’clock.

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