David Raya and the Champions’ Ring

Spain now has its own champions’ ring, a timeless piece of jewellery to remember that wonderful summer in Germany. Of course, no one was going to forget it, but now the national team players have some treasure that will take them back to Berlin, to that 14th of July which ended in a huge celebration with the country’s fourth Euros title. David Raya, a goalkeeper by profession and from a family of jewellers, had an idea, and here is the result.

“Being from a family of jewellers, it’s always been a dream to win a title like the Euros and to reflect it in something like a small trophy that’s different. In the NBA, you see it a lot, and it’s starting to be seen more in football as well, so it was a great opportunity to have something different when winning the Euro,” explains the Arsenal goalkeeper, who took inspiration from what’s done in other sports to shape his vision. “It’s something that can be brought into football too, to have a keepsake after the great effort we put in to win something as important as the Euros.”

The champions’ ring took shape when David Raya spoke with his brother Óscar, who got to work. “I know there’s a lot of detailed work behind it. My older brother is also involved, along with people who work with my brother in the workshop… It’s all handmade; they took care when setting the diamonds, painting the little red circle by hand… It’s a unique ring because each player has their number and name engraved on it. It’s made with gold and diamonds.”

As Spain progressed through the tournament, Raya began to think that, yes, they could win the Euros. That’s when he spoke to his teammates: “I mentioned it in the quarter-finals or semi-finals. I shared the idea, they found it amusing, and some players decided to go ahead with the ring.”

He proudly poses with his ring, the European champion’s ring, a phrase that rolls off the tongue. “It’s a joy to be able to represent all the effort from the Euros, to bring that happiness to the country, and to have a small lifelong memento in the trophy cabinet.”