Mexico’s World Cup campaign has been nothing short of a fairytale, as the team cruised through the group stage with a perfect record and a shutout streak that has left opponents scrambling for answers.
The celebrations, however, took a surprising turn when the squad was presented with a cache of luxury timepieces from American internet personality Stephen Deleonardis, better known online as Stevewilldoit.
Deleonardis, who had wagered a staggering $2 million on Mexico’s opening victory over Ecuador, arrived at the team’s training base with a suitcase full of Rolex watches, each emblazoned with the brand’s iconic crown.
The gesture, while flamboyant, quickly ran afoul of FIFA’s Code of Ethics, which bars players and officials from accepting gifts of significant monetary value, allowing only trivial or symbolic items.
A Gift That Crossed the Line
The returned Rolex pieces, collectively appraised at around $1 million, were handed back to Deleonardis in a brief ceremony that highlighted the team’s willingness to prioritize rules over spectacle.
With Mexico set to host England at the iconic Azteca Stadium on Sunday, the squad remains focused on extending their unbeaten run, a narrative that will be watched closely by fans and officials alike.