Hublot has their brand all over the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and that influence is seen in the number of soccer sponsorships tied to the Swiss luxury watchmaker. But, they are not the only watch brand soccer players adorn, so we decided to compile a starting 11 of watch-wearing World Cup stars. The 11 is balanced with star players and up and comers, and it features some of the biggest names in the luxury watch world.
Forwards
We’ll start with the brightest of the stars with our three attacking forwards: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Our starting striker Cristiano Ronaldo is known to be one of the flashiest players both on and off the pitch. His jet-setting lifestyle makes him a perennial tabloid feature. In addition, his athletic ability has netted him copious brand deals. His goal-scoring prowess is complemented by his much-photographed Tag Heuer brand campaign, a partnership the Swiss company clearly relishes.
Neymar
Neymar is Brazil’s starlet and he will be hoping his country isn’t embarrassed as badly as they were after a 7-1 loss to Germany on home soil in the 2014 World Cup.
Neymar is also a brand ambassador for Gaga Milano, and his Instagram is home to pictures featuring boxes of expensive and luxurious watches. Luxury and Neymar go hand in hand after the winger was purchased by Paris Saint Germain for an astonishing world record transfer fee of €222 million ($263 million).
Lionel Messi
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is arguably one of the greatest players ever, but he has yet to win the World Cup. Argentina made it all the way to the 2014 World Cup championship game but faltered and lost to Germany.
Nevertheless, not to be outdone by his attacking counterparts, Leo has a collection of watches with Swiss luxury brand Audemars Piguet. The watchmaker’s Royal Oak Leo Messi watch is currently not for sale on the official Audemars Piguet website. However, resellers are on the lookout for the much sought after exclusive Leo Messi collection.
Midfielders
Assembling a team of watch wearing soccer players requires an adequate amount of flair. These four midfielders combine sport with fashionable luxury and sophistication.
Shinji Kagawa
Shinji Kagawa is Japan’s talisman, and the Samurai Blue can count on match-winning performances from the classy midfielder. Kagawa has been a brand ambassador for Tag Heuer since 2016 and has partnered with the watchmaker to raise money for Kumamoto children.
Mesut Ozil
Our next midfield inclusion is one of the best playmakers in the world. And in this team, he’ll be spraying deadly passes to goal-scoring stars.
Mesut Ozil is a key player for Germany and his club Arsenal. Ozil purchased a Rolex “Invincibles” at an Arsenal charity event in May. Moreover, he is also a brand ambassador for the elegant watchmaker Cyrus.
The slick watch was made in collaboration with Rolex and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry to commemorate Arsenal’s unbeaten 2003-2004 Premier League Season.
Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba became one of the most expensive players of all time when he transferred to Manchester United for over $100 million. However, Pogba did not want his former club and teammates to come away empty-handed when he left Italian side Juventus for England.
The French midfielder gifted Rolex watches to former teammates, coaches, doctors and other staff at Juventus. The Frenchman brings flair and sturdy defending abilities to this fearsome lineup.
Xherdan Shaqiri
It is only fitting that we include a Swiss international in our team linking soccer and watches, right? So Xherdan Shaqiri has to make the cut. While the famed midfielder may be diminutive, he uses his strength and speed to blow by top-level defenders on a regular basis.
Shaqiri has partnered with official World Cup watch sponsor Hublot in the past. He will hope to replicate his stellar performances from the 2014 World Cup in this year’s edition.
Defenders
As most premier players and brand ambassadors play further up the pitch, we opted for a three back-formation to accommodate more attacking prowess. But the three we picked are at the top of their game and provide a stalwart defence for this team.
Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels is a rock at the back of one of the best defences in the world. Hummels will lead the backline as Germany hopes to repeat as champions in the 2018 World Cup.
With Hummels as Tag Heuer ambassador, the Swiss watchmaker has exercised influence over the world of sports. And not only does Tag Heuer sponsor Mats Hummels, but they are also the official timekeeper of the German Bundesliga.
Rudiger/Cahill
Antonio Rudiger and Gary Cahill are teammates at Chelsea. But they may face off against each other as they play for Germany and England, respectively. Both are experienced central defenders and will be vying for game time in top European teams. Their club team Chelsea is partnered with Hublot. Multiple Chelsea watch designs have been released as part of the partnership.
Goalkeepers
Wojtek Szczęsny
Similar to Chelsea, Juventus also has a timekeeping partnership with Hublot. Not only has Hublot become a premier watch sponsor for international football, but they have also focused on club football.
Hublot released a chronograph dedicated to the historic Italian club. Our goalie, Wojtek Szczęsny suits up for Juventus. He will also be the number one keeper for Poland at this World Cup. The shot-stopper will play a vital role for country.
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