Luxury Brand Caviar Unveils Messi and Ronaldo Themed Smartphones
Luxury customization company Caviar has launched limited-edition smartphones inspired by football superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The "Messi phone" is a customized version of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, priced at approximately R$ 67,000 (US$ 13,130). This price is about four times the expected cost of the standard Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Cristiano Ronaldo models are based on the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max, starting at R$ 58,000 (US$ 11,410), roughly five times the price of a traditional iPhone at launch. Caviar has produced only 19 units of each design, as part of its new "Legends" collection released on Friday, the 17th. The customization features hand-painted portraits of the players on the back, adorned with 24-karat gold plating, depicting them in their respective national team jerseys. Caviar selected the Galaxy Fold 8 for Messi due to his "subtle and refined playing style," while the iPhone 17 Pro series was chosen for Ronaldo, citing his "monumental playing style and determination." While full specifications for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra are not yet public, the previous generation boasted an 8-inch internal screen, a 6.5-inch external display, a 200-megapixel camera, and up to 1 terabyte of storage. The iPhone 17 Pro features a 6.3-inch screen, and the Pro Max a 6.9-inch display, both equipped with triple 48-megapixel cameras, with the top-tier model offering up to 2 terabytes of storage. This is not Caviar's first venture into themed luxury phones; the company has previously released models referencing Apple's 50th anniversary, the US flag, and Bitcoin.
This product launch highlights the intersection of celebrity endorsement, luxury goods, and technological aspiration. By associating high-end smartphones with globally recognized athletes like Messi and Ronaldo, Caviar taps into the immense cultural capital and fan loyalty these figures command. The pricing strategy, significantly exceeding standard flagship models, positions these devices as exclusive status symbols rather than purely functional technology. This approach leverages the psychological premium associated with limited editions and celebrity association, appealing to a niche market willing to pay for perceived uniqueness and prestige. Looking ahead, the trend of merging digital identity with tangible luxury assets may evolve, potentially integrating digital collectibles or metaverse-ready features into such high-value physical products, reflecting the increasing digitization of consumer culture and personal branding.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.