Mexico City — The Mexican Football Federation confirmed that the national team returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by influencer and high-stakes bettor Steve Will Do It, following controversy during the 2026 World Cup.
The watches, which can cost up to 10 million pesos ($500,000) for the most exclusive models, were handed to players after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador in the round of 32. The influencer had bet on Mexico to win.
“The Mexican national team announces that, by mutual agreement, our players decided to return to content creator Steve Will Do It the watches he gave them on his own initiative,” the federation said in a statement on social media.
The incident occurred after the influencer gained access to the team’s High Performance Center, a restricted facility. When asked about authorization, the federation’s communications office said it had no information.
Stephen Deleonardis, known online as Steve Will Do It, built his following through extreme challenge videos and high-risk bets, often courting controversy.
The case reignited debate over the relationship between professional soccer and gambling. FIFA’s code of ethics restricts activities related to soccer betting, but does not explicitly prohibit receiving gifts from individuals tied to the industry.
Sports law expert Luis Jiménez said the code only applies if match-fixing is proven. “Under that interpretation, there would be no formal violation of FIFA regulations,” he said.
However, public opinion viewed the timing of the gifts — after a win — as a possible indirect incentive or even a “sports bribe.” The federation’s decision to return the watches aimed to quell speculation.
