On 10th June, the Soccer Aid for Unicef match took place in Manchester. Hublot was both the official timekeeper for this charity event, and the partner of one of
the two teams battling it out, the WORLD XI team captained by brand ambassador, Usain Bolt.
“Since 2006, Unicef has been able to provide help to many children in need thanks to these football matches. During this match, Hublot had the privilege of contributing to this honourable initiative in its role as both official timekeeper and supporter of the team captained by its ambassador, Usain Bolt. A formidable way to mark the impending start of the 2018 FIFA World CupTM!”
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.
Back in February, sprinting legend Usain Bolt surprised the more than 5 million fans following him on social media by announcing his transition to the world of football, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a footballer. After his first appearance on the pitch during a “friendly” organised by Hublot, which took place alongside the Baselworld 2018 watch fair, and which saw Diego Maradona and José Mourinho’s teams battle it out, he captained the World XI team during the Soccer Aid World XI match, taking on the England team. This clash of the Titans was held in the iconic Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, just four days before the 2018 FIFA World CupTM kicks off in Russia.
“As a child, I dreamt of becoming a professional football player, and playing with the Manchester United team. Today, being captain of a football team, on this iconic field with Hublot, and to play for such a good cause, helping children in need: it’s has been a great experience!” Usain Bolt, Hublot Ambassador, 8-time Olympic Champion and 11-time World Champion.
“I co-founded Soccer Aid in 2006, and since then we’ve helped to raise over £24m for children in danger around the world. We hope to raise even more this year with the help of the public, sponsors and the UK Government (who is matching donations pound-for-pound), so that we can further help this fantastic
cause”.
Robbie Williams, Hublot Friend of the Brand
The match was organised under the Unicef banner to raise money to help children at risk across the world. A total of over £24 million had already been raised through ticket sales and donations before this latest match even started. This incredible sum is the combined total from the previous Unicef Soccer Aid matches, which have now been taking place for twelve years. At the 2016 event, the England team beat the World XI with a score of 3-2.
Facing them will be Usain Bolt’s team, which features former professional footballers and celebrities such as the chef Gordon Ramsay. Together, they represent the rest of the world. A long-standing Hublot ambassador, the Lightning Bolt was able to count on support from the Nyon manufacture when forming his team for this latest challenge. Their opponents were Robbie Williams’ England team. A Unicef UK ambassador and friend of the Swiss watch brand, the singer was responsible for co-founding and launching the Soccer Aid initiative in 2006. He was surrounded during this match by an all-star team, including four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah. At the end of a thrilling clash, the England team managed to claim victory with a score of 4-3.
In addition to its support for Usain Bolt’s team, the Hublot manufacture also acted as the official timekeeper for the match, providing the fourth official’s board, and reinforcing its links with beautiful game. This association already dates back 12 years, when the Nyon manufacture started to sponsor the Swiss national team. Since then, Hublot has become the “FIFA Official Watch”, and will be acting as Official Timekeeper for the FIFA World CupTM for the third time,= when the competition starts in Russia.
A few days before the whistle blows to mark the start of the 2018 FIFA World CupTM, Hublot took to the pitch once more in support of a fantastic cause, participating in a match which is sure to become part of footballing history. Hublot and football: from strength to strength!
WORLD XI TEAM
Usain Bolt, Gordon Ramsay, Brendan Cole, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pirès, Yaya Tourè, Kevin Pietersen, Dan Carter, Martin Compston, Ioan Gruffudd, Jaap Stam, Ashley Fongho, Patrick Kluivert, Edwin van der Sar, Eric Cantona, Robbie Keane, Jeremy Lynch and Nicky Byrne.
ENGLAND TEAM
Robbie Williams, Sir Mo Farah, Mark Wright, Myles Stephenson, Paddy McGuinness, Joe Wicks, David Seaman, Jamie Redknapp, Danny Murphy, Michael Owen, Jamie Redknapp, Wes Brown, Sam Allardyce, John Bishop, Olly Murs, Ben Shephard, Bradley Walsh, Freddie Flintoff, Lee Mack, Damien Lewis, David Harewood, Billy Wingrove and Phil Neville.
Hublot Loves Football Timeline
2006 I Hublot claims its place as the first luxury brand to commit itself to the beautiful game as Sponsor of the Swiss football team
2008 I Official Watch for UEFA Euro in Austria and Switzerland
2008 I Official Timekeeper for Manchester United FC
2010 | Official Timekeeper for FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa
2011 I Official Timekeeper for Ajax Amsterdam
2012 I Official Watch for UEFA Euro in Poland and Ukraine
2012 I Official Timekeeper for Juventus FC
2012 I Official Timekeeper for Bayern München FC
2013 I Official Timekeeper for Paris Saint-Germain FC
2014 I Official Timekeeper for FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil
2015 I Official Timekeeper for FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in Canada
2015 I Official Timekeeper for Chelsea FC
2015 I Official Watch for UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League (2015-2018)
2016 I Official Watch for UEFA Euro in France
2016 I Partner of Best FIFA Football Awards™
2016 I Golden Foot Hublot awarded to Gianluigi Buffon
2017 I Official Timekeeper for Sport Lisboa e Benfica
2017 I Official Timekeeper for FIFA Confederations Cup
2017 I Golden Foot Hublot awarded to Iker Casillas
2018 I Official Timekeeper for FIFA World Cup™ in Russia
BIG BANG UNICO SOCCER AID UNICEF
Reference: 411.NX.1170.RX.SAU18 – Unique Piece
Diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 15.45 mm
Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100m)
Case: Satin-finished and polished titanium
Bezel: Satin-finished and polished titanium
Black composite resin lower bezel
with 6 H-shaped titanium screws
Glass: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment
Case back: Satin-finished titanium engraved “SPECIAL PIECE”
And sapphire with anti-reflective treatment and “SAU18” logo printed
Dial: Mat black skeleton
Movement: HUB1242 UNICO manufacture self-winding chronograph flyback
movement with column wheel
N° of Components: 330 (38 rubies)
Frequency: 4 Hz (28’800 A/h)
Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Strap: Black structured lined rubber strap
Titanium deployant buckle clasp
