The Malta Independent 28 April 2024, Sunday
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Pepsi scores with global football super team uniting 19 of the world’s best players

Malta Independent Tuesday, 28 January 2014, 16:48 Last update: about 11 years ago
Pepsi unveiled details of their superstar 2014 football squad, bringing together an unprecedented wealth of international talent to create one of the most jam-packed, multi-talented and iconic lineups ever. 19 of the world’s greatest players, spanning five continents and nearly 20 countries, are uniting with Pepsi to inspire fans the world over to ‘Live For Now’ in 2014. Record-breaking football superstar Leo Messi, Argentinian international striker Sergio Agüero and young British talent Jack Wilshere will be joined by Brazilian defender David Luiz, prolific goal scorer Robin van Persie and Spanish great Sergio Ramos as part of the global Pepsi lineup. These super six will be bolstered by additional footballing greats from across the globe representing their home countries, including: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia), Clint Dempsey (USA), Tarik Elyounoussi (Norway), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras), Mario Gomez (Germany), Vincent Kompany (Belgium), Kemar Lawrence (Jamaica), Victor Moses (Nigeria), Peter Osaze Odemwingie (Nigeria), Oribe Peralta (Mexico), Andriy Pyatov (Ukraine), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Gylfi Por Sigurðsson (Iceland). “Football has been my passion since I was a little boy and it’s certainly one of the things I live for now. I am so proud to be partnering with Pepsi again and representing the brand globally as part of this star-studded team,” said four-time player of the year and Argentinian captain Leo Messi.  Earlier today the Pepsi players took to social media to unveil the entire roster in an exciting digital relay that reached fans across the globe. David Luiz, Premier League player for Chelsea and vice-captain for Brazil's national team, commented: "I'm excited to be teaming up with Pepsi and proud to be part of such a great team. For me, playing football is about making the most of every second on the pitch and showing your love and character for the game – and for the fans. I can't wait to join fans from across the world and celebrate a big year for football." The global player announcement also kicked off a series of exciting year-long activities as part of the 2014 Pepsi Football campaign. Not only will the players star in Pepsi’s global television commercial released later in the year, a selection of the players will also be featured on limited edition, eye-catching packaging and point of sale across the globe, designed to bring to life their flair and enthusiasm for the game. Special commemorative packaging featuring the global Pepsi players will start appearing in market in March, while integrations with music, art, digital, interactive experiences and additional special products will be unveiled throughout the year.  Kristin Patrick, Pepsi Global Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Global Beverages Group commented: “Pepsi has had a tremendous relationship with football, going back nearly 15 years. For this, our latest incarnation, we’ve brought together our most impressive Pepsi football roster yet, comprised of players who truly embody our brand spirit and excite and electrify us every time they step on the pitch. Our players know how to live for the moment, and throughout the year we’ll be collaborating with them to bring our fans exciting and engaging content, products and experiences – bringing fans closer to the game they love.”   SERGIO AGÜERO: “I’m delighted to be part of the Pepsi team again in 2014 and stand alongside some of the best global players – what an amazing lineup! Team Pepsi is ready to take on the world!”  DAVID LUIZ: "I'm excited to be teaming up with Pepsi and proud to be part of such a great team. For me, playing football is about making the most of every second on the pitch and showing your love and character for the game – and for the fans. I can't wait to join fans from across the world and celebrate a big year for football." SERGIO RAMOS: “2014 is a pivotal year for football and I am thrilled to be a part of the Pepsi global super team.  No one can predict where football will take us this year, but the one thing for sure is that I am going to live and love every moment alongside our fans.” ROBIN VAN PERSIE: “Football fans are going to love the great 2014 Pepsi squad and I could not be more excited about being part of this global lineup. As it is my first time being involved with Pepsi, I cannot wait to see how everything will work out – from the pictures to the commercial. I am looking forward to it!” JACK WILSHERE: “The Pepsi lineup this year is even bigger and better than ever. With so many great players from around the world – it’s one hell of a super team! Playing in a team of 11 is great, but Pepsi’s team of 19 would beat anyone. What a great way to kick off such a huge year for football.” JUAN GUILLERMO CUADRADO: "I live my life at its fullest and today I’ve been chosen to face this challenge. I’m proud to be a member of the 2014 Pepsi team. I know great things are coming and I’m ready to live them." 

CLINT DEMPSEY: “It’s an awesome feeling to be part of such a huge global team for this year’s campaign. I’ve seen the Pepsi lineup get stronger over the years and I’m honoured to be selected to represent the  USA. Before every game I take a moment to think about the challenges ahead and how I can strive to overcome them, but it’s really all about living in the moment and taking each step as it comes.”

TARIK ELYOUNOUSSI: “I am very excited to be part of the 2014 Pepsi Max football campaign. I have always been a huge fan of the Pepsi Max commercials, and I am both very proud and honoured to be a part of this year’s Pepsi Max campaign.” MAYNOR FIGUEROA: “It’s great to be representing Honduras in the Pepsi 2014 lineup, standing alongside so many top quality players from every corner of the globe. As with everything that matters to me in my life, I give 100% – on the pitch, with my family and friends. Getting the most out of every moment is important. This is how I live my life, by embracing the now and celebrating every day.” MARIO GOMEZ: “I’m really proud to be part of such a talented global team in an exciting year for football.  There are players representing countries and clubs from all around the world. Pepsi really knows how to pick a squad!” VINCENT KOMPANY: “I feel privileged and truly passionate about joining the Pepsi squad this year. I hope I can be an added value to this great lineup and am grateful to Pepsi for their commitment towards my social project, BX Brussels.” KEMAR LAWRENCE: “It feels great [to be part of the 2014 Pepsi football team]! Not many Jamaican footballers have the opportunity to be a part of this elite football team. I am happy to be granted the opportunity and be in the same team with great footballers from around the world. This is a great platform for inner city, and indeed, all youths of Jamaica – not only because they look up to me, but [also] see Pepsi as the brand that supports local football.” VICTOR MOSES: “Pepsi’s football stars lineup for this year’s global campaign reads like the ‘Who’s Who’ of the sport and I’m thrilled to have been selected to represent Nigeria. I’m rejoicing the moment by capturing the excitement and living in the now.” PETER OSAZE ODEMWINGIE: “Pepsi has really outdone itself by bringing together such an amazing global team for what promises to be an exciting year of football. It’s an honour to be a part of this team and represent Nigeria. Our brightest future hinges on our ability to pay attention to the present and I’m doing just that by embracing the past but living for now!” ORIBE PERALTA: “It’s fantastic to be part of Pepsi’s 2014 football team and to represent Mexico as part of this global lineup. On and off the pitch I believe in embracing each moment as it comes and living for now, from making a bold decision on the pitch to just embracing whatever the day brings.” ANDRIY PYATOV: “If you have ever played football, you know that movement, adrenaline and energy are the driving forces behind a real team! To be part of the Pepsi football team is a great honour for me. It is a team of seekers and a team of masterminds whose restless energy pulls up your roots, nourishes you with fresh impressions and makes you feel life to its maximum. If you want to get real impressions and experience true feelings don’t stand aside, but become the best one and play in the best team!” MOHAMED SALAH: "Of course I am very excited to be part of 2014 Pepsi team! It gives me great pleasure to be selected as one of the stars amongst many other global football icons. Football has become the universal language of all Middle Eastern sports fans and it gives me great pride to be representing Egypt and the whole of the Middle East. I am very honoured that Pepsi, a brand known for sponsoring emerging talents in football, is giving me this amazing opportunity to be part of this global football campaign. I look forward to this amazing journey and I thank all my fans for supporting me.” GYLFI POR SIGUROSSON: “I´m very happy to be part of the Pepsi football campaign, as Pepsi has a very strong relationship with football in Iceland.” 
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