When the world’s most elite footballers aren’t dominating the pitch, they are dominating the global luxury watch market. For the absolute upper echelon of the sport, the tunnel walk into the stadium and the steps down from the private jet have become the ultimate runways for haute horology.
From ultra-rare grand complications to factory-set diamonds that catch the stadium lights, these superstars are wearing timepieces that rival their massive transfer fees. Let’s break down the insane luxury watch collections of the biggest stars in the game—and how you can score a similar piece for your own collection.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The GOAT’s collection is exactly what you would expect: elegant, masterful, and historically significant, though he’s never afraid to show a playful side. While he is a true connoisseur of Patek Philippe’s grand complications—frequently wearing the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5270P) and the ultra-thin Nautilus Perpetual Calendar (Ref. 5740/1G)—Messi is also notably fond of vibrant pink-dial Rolexes.
He has been spotted wearing the ultra-rare white gold Rolex Daytona “Beach” with a pink mother-of-pearl dial, as well as a sleek Rolex Oyster Perpetual featuring a bright pink dial. He also owns the elusive 18k white gold Rolex Daytona “Meteorite”.
View this post on Instagram
Get the Look at SwissWatchExpo: Messi’s taste is all about quiet luxury and undeniable craftsmanship. If you want to invest like the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, aim for the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking.
Shop Patek Philippe Complications
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
If Messi is “quiet luxury,” Ronaldo is unapologetic, billionaire-level haute joaillerie. With a collection estimated at over $15 million, CR7’s watches are less about keeping time and more about invisible diamond settings and grand tourbillons. From his bespoke $1.3M Bugatti Chiron watch to the Franck Muller Invisible Set Tourbillon covered in baguette diamonds, Ronaldo demands absolute exclusivity.
When it comes to the Crown, he favors heavily iced-out statement pieces, frequently wearing a factory pavé diamond Rolex Yacht-Master alongside his famous Rolex GMT-Master II “Ice”—a model entirely paved with 30 carats of factory diamonds, making it one of the most expensive Rolexes ever offered to the public.
View this post on Instagram
Get the Look at SwissWatchExpo: You might not have a custom movement shaped like your own logo, but you can definitely capture Ronaldo’s mogul energy with a factory-set diamond Rolex or a statement piece from AP.
Shop Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Kylian Mbappé (France)
When stepping off the French national team jet, Mbappé brings an aesthetic that matches his playing style: modern, explosive, and cutting-edge. As the lead athlete ambassador for Hublot, Mbappé’s wristwear is heavily focused on proprietary alloys and high-tech ceramics. Whether it’s his Hublot Square Bang Unico King Gold worn during his blockbuster Real Madrid signing, or his limited-edition Big Bang Ceramic, his collection is all about bold, integrated sports watches.
View this post on Instagram
Get the Look at SwissWatchExpo: Want that high-octane, integrated sports watch feel? While Mbappé leans towards modern ceramics, the ultimate flex in this category remains the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. It’s the pioneer of the luxury sports watch category and commands the same level of respect on any continent.
Shop Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Alongside his high-profile role as a Breitling ambassador—where he regularly champions their legendary, heavy-hitting chronographs—the Norwegian striker maintains an incredibly serious personal watch collection. Haaland’s choices prove he doesn’t just buy hype; his rotation shows a deep, foundational respect for horological grails from the world’s finest watchmakers.
When he’s traveling, you’ll frequently spot him wearing a Patek Philippe Nautilus (Ref. 5711 or the rose gold 5712R).
He’s also a massive Rolex fan, famously rocking the highly coveted Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “John Mayer” with its signature green dial, alongside the classic Rolex Submariner “Starbucks”.
View this post on Instagram
Get the Look at SwissWatchExpo: Haaland’s collection is the ultimate blueprint for a serious collector. You can’t go wrong building a rotation around the Rolex Daytona or a classic steel Patek Philippe.
Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)
Vini Jr. brings the same vibrant, dynamic flair to his watch box as he does to the left wing for Brazil and Real Madrid. His style bridges the gap between classic heavy-hitters and modern statements. Arriving at the Bernabéu, Vini is frequently spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding (Ref. 15500ST). When he opts for the Crown, he has incredible range—leaning into precious metals like the 18k Everose gold Rolex GMT-Master II “Root Beer”, but also appreciating modern classics, like the 18k white gold Rolex Day-Date 40 with the stunning olive green dial (Ref.228239).
View this post on Instagram
Get the Look at SwissWatchExpo: To channel Vini’s aesthetic, look for iconic silhouettes wrapped in precious metals or two-tone variations. A solid gold Rolex or an AP is the ultimate pre-match flex.
Shop Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Watches
See the Grails in Person for the 2026 World Cup
With the World Cup coming directly to our backyard here in Atlanta, we expect to see global collectors and enthusiasts walking through our Buckhead showroom doors. If you’re flying into town for a match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, book an appointment to view these pieces in person.
Whether you are hunting for your first luxury piece to commemorate the tournament or looking to acquire a world-class Patek Philippe Nautilus or Rolex Daytona just like the pros, SwissWatchExpo has you covered. Explore our vast selection of certified authentic, pre-owned watches from the world’s best brands at SwissWatchExpo.com.
