The FIFA World Cup is underway, with England taking on Croatia in their opening group stage fixture - a rematch that carries significant weight given Croatia's semifinal elimination of Gareth Southgate's side in 2018. For supporters looking to mark the occasion beyond the television screen, LEGO has launched a dedicated football collection, available from £25 at Selfridges, honouring the legends and trophies that define the game at its highest level.
The range pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, transforming iconic moments into brick-built mementoes designed to outlast the tournament itself. It is the kind of crossover that speaks to football's expanding cultural footprint - the sport now lives as comfortably on a display shelf as it does on a pitch. Suitable for builders aged 10 and above, the sets also present a compelling Father's Day gift option for families who want to build something together. For those with wider sporting interests, curiosities such as skeleton olympics odds reflect just how broadly live sports engagement has grown across disciplines and formats in recent years.
The collection spans a wide price range and ambition level, from entry-level character builds to serious collector-grade constructions. Here is what stands out.
Ronaldo and Messi: The Rivals Rendered in Brick
At the more accessible end of the range sits a 490-piece Cristiano Ronaldo set, one of the more economical entry points into LEGO's football lineup. It draws on the Portuguese forward's most celebrated moments and includes a minifigure for display once assembled. One verified reviewer described the experience as "really fun to build" throughout, praising the building techniques and noting hidden messages embedded within the set - a neat touch that rewards careful construction. The reviewer gave it a perfect ten and recommended it to any football fan, Ronaldo admirer in particular.
The Lionel Messi set is a more substantial proposition at 958 pieces, depicting the Argentine in his unmistakable triumphant stance. The attention to detail is notable: the ball sits at his feet, his signature appears on the presentation base, and his recognisable tattoo sleeve is faithfully reproduced. One five-star reviewer said LEGO had "scored a winning goal" with the set, highlighting its dual-pose option and calling the finished result a fitting tribute. Separately, Stanley has also moved to celebrate Messi with a limited-edition Messi x Stanley 1913 IceFlow Bottle Flip Straw (£45), available in four colourways with double-wall vacuum insulation - a lifestyle product riding the same wave of Messi-branded commercial energy that has only intensified since his World Cup triumph.
The Football and the Trophy: Display Pieces for Serious Collectors
For those who want scale and spectacle, two sets stand apart. A 1,498-piece LEGO football - complete with its own presentation platform - is constructed with enough precision to draw a second look from anyone who passes it. The finished model is built for display rather than the pitch, a point worth remembering before anyone is tempted otherwise.
The flagship of the collection is the 2,842-piece FIFA World Cup Trophy replica. It is a demanding build, but the completed centrepiece commands the room in a way few LEGO sets can. One reviewer called it "the most creative set LEGO has created," praising the transformation of an abstract sculpture into a structured, achievable build. A minor caveat emerged around the clarity of instructions near the globe section, though the same reviewer confirmed nothing was inaccurate - simply a moment that required a little patience. Given the price point, those seeking a lower-commitment alternative might consider the mini Trophy Replica Magnet available on Amazon for £26.99, a more modest but cheerful nod to the same silverware.
Why It Matters Beyond the Shelf
As England and Croatia renew their rivalry on the opening day of the tournament, the broader football moment creates real commercial and cultural momentum. LEGO's football range taps into that energy with a well-judged product line that bridges generations - accessible enough for a ten-year-old, detailed enough to satisfy an adult collector. Whether England's campaign ignites the kind of national enthusiasm that sends merchandise flying off shelves remains to be seen, but the tournament's arrival ensures the appetite is there. The beautiful game, in brick form or otherwise, has never been more present in everyday life.
