Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has become one of the unexpected talking points of the FIFA World Cup 2026. While his team’s impressive run to the quarter-finals has earned widespread praise, fans have also taken notice of his striking appearance, with social media comparing him to actor Mads Mikkelsen and even fictional crime bosses from the 1980s.
As Switzerland prepared for a quarter-final clash against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Yakin found himself attracting attention well beyond football.
Murat Yakin’s World Cup journey turns heads
The 51-year-old has been in charge of Switzerland for five years and has guided the team through three major tournaments.
Victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and hosts Canada in the group stage were followed by a 2-0 win against Algeria. Switzerland then edged Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals, with the celebrations after that victory helping fuel Yakin’s growing popularity online.
Which watch does Yakin wear?
Alongside the memes, Yakin’s choice of wristwatch has generated interest among football and watch enthusiasts.
Instead of wearing luxury brands commonly associated with Switzerland, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe or Hublot, Yakin has chosen the Cyrus Klepcys GMT Retrograde, a watch produced by independent Swiss watchmaker Cyrus, founded in 2010.
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The brand focuses on distinctive designs and technical innovation, with master watchmaker Jean-François Mojon playing a key role in its development.
Yakin explains why he chose Cyrus
Speaking via email, Yakin explained why the partnership with Cyrus reflects his own approach.
“For me, excellence is not a destination but a continuous pursuit. Whether on the touchline or in everyday life, success comes from discipline, precision, and the determination to keep improving. These are the values I share with Cyrus Watches. The Klepcys GMT Retrograde embodies this philosophy with remarkable craftsmanship and an intuitive dual-time function that makes every journey effortless. It is more than a timepiece. It is a trusted companion that keeps pace with my life, wherever it takes me.”
As Switzerland prepared to face Argentina in the quarter-finals, Yakin’s leadership and his distinctive watch had both become part of the conversation surrounding one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
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FAQs
What watch did Murat Yakin wear at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Murat Yakin wears the Cyrus Klepcys GMT Retrograde, made by independent Swiss watchmaker Cyrus.
Why is Murat Yakin’s watch attracting attention?
His choice of the Cyrus Klepcys GMT Retrograde stands out over traditional luxury Swiss watch brands.