Mexico soccer team returns gifted Rolex watches to influencer

American influencer Stephen Deleonardis, known as Steve Will Do It, gave each member of Mexico’s 2026 World Cup squad a Rolex watch worth roughly $1 million after betting $2 million on the team’s victory over Ecuador. Mexico won 2‑0 in the round of 16, and the gesture drew criticism on social media and concerns that it violated FIFA’s Code of Ethics, which prohibits gifts of significant value.

The Mexican Football Federation announced that, by mutual agreement, the players would return the watches to the influencer. The team posted on its official X account: “La SNM informa que de común acuerdo nuestros jugadores decidieron regresar al creador de contenido @stevewilldoit, los relojes que él les había regalado”. The return is intended to avoid possible FIFA sanctions, fines of at least 10 000 Swiss francs and potential suspensions. FIFA is reported to be reviewing the incident.

The episode highlights the strict compliance rules governing gifts to football professionals and the growing scrutiny of influencer involvement in elite sport.