The World Cup and Our Favorite Icons' Timepieces

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE WORLD CUP

We all come from different backgrounds, different cultures, different races and ethnicities, but if there is one thing that unites us all, it is the love for the game. No matter where you are in the world, we are all watching. Every 4 years the world unites, rooting for each of our teams and favorite players, screaming at the screen as if we could do something about the outcome. It is passion, it is love and it is dedication.

In 1930 FIFA had its first World Cup hosted in Uruguay. With 13 countries participating, Uruguay celebrated its victory as the World Cup winner against Argentina, winning 4-2 in their own hometown. Today, 96 years later, a total of 48 countries are fighting for the championship title. The World Cup is hosted in 3 different countries: Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

With this year's increase in the number of countries participating, this means spectators and soccer enthusiasts get to watch even more soccer matches. Previously, FIFA had 32 national teams qualify for the World Cup, whereas today we celebrate 48, making the matches go from 44 to 104 - more than ever before in a World Cup.

The 50% increase in countries participating is not the only unique change in this year's tournament. Since 2006 Hublot had been the official timekeeper of the World Cup; however, the brand ended its 16-year FIFA partnership in December 2025.

Below we will further explore Hublot's decision to end its partnership, as well as take a quick dive into our favorite and most iconic World Cup players and their luxury watch preferences.

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ

Mbappé became a Hublot ambassador in 2018 as the brand was looking to connect with the next generation of football stars and fans worldwide. When Hublot chose Mbappé, the football legend had just helped France win the 2018 World Cup and his career as a footballer and influential celebrity was skyrocketing, making Kylian Mbappé a prospect for a global icon at just 19 years old.

FIFA was not the only one with all eyes on Mbappé.

Hublot valued the athlete's talents and understood that he represented, and continues to represent, the modern era of football. His speed, ambition and global popularity are exactly what Hublot was looking for, as his qualities and values clearly aligned with Hublot's image. Mbappé helped Hublot keep a strong presence in the sport after strengthening relationships with legends of the previous generations.

Hublot released special Kylian Mbappé editions: the Big Bang e FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the Big Bang Unico Kylian Mbappé.

The World Cup winner clearly embodies the speed, innovation and ambition that have created him and made Hublot icons.

JOSÉ MOURINHO

José Mourinho began his partnership with Hublot back in 2014, making him one of the very few football managers to be a Hublot ambassador. Mourinho, better known as "The Special One," obtained his nickname shortly after his victory with Porto and his new coaching chapter as the newest manager of Chelsea Football Club, as he was being interviewed and mentioned to the cameras, "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm a European champion and I think I'm a special one."

Mourinho introduced leadership, confidence and a winning mentality to Hublot's football roster.

Hublot admires José Mourinho's success. His personality and confidence match Hublot's bold brand identity. Mourinho expanded Hublot's football partnership beyond players, highlighting the importance of leadership on and off the pitch.

Special Hublot watch editions were inspired by Mourinho, including models representing his famous nickname, "The Special One."

PELÉ

Pelé was one of Hublot's most valued and impactful ambassadors during the brand's football push. The story began around the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Hublot heavily expanded its involvement in the world of football.

Why was Pelé so important to Hublot?

Not only is he regarded as one of football's greatest stars of all time, but he was also the perfect ambassador choice for the brand, as the 2014 World Cup's host country was Brazil. Hublot relied on Pelé to reinforce its connection to the sport's history as well as its prestige while also collaborating and connecting with modern stars.

The three-time World Cup winner became one of the brand's most recognizable ambassadors, inspiring numerous limited-edition Hublot timepieces. Hublot released special Pelé editions, including the Hublot King Power Pelé and the Hublot Classic Fusion Pelé.

THE END OF AN ERA

Although Hublot will no longer be a part of the World Cup field and sidelines, we will continue to see the brand being represented by stars like the ones mentioned in this article. Hublot has made a huge impact in the world of sports, and FIFA has helped Hublot's recognition amongst football fanatics worldwide.

We are excited to see where the brand goes next.

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