Pepsi has announced Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr. as its latest global ambassador, leveraging a new collection created in collaboration with Art of Football (AoF) that pays homage to the brand’s iconic early 2000s football campaigns. Following in the footsteps of fellow Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, Vinicius Jr. embodies the spirit of “Generation Thirsty,” reflecting both his on-field talent and off-field style.

Pepsi has a rich history with football, marked by nostalgic campaigns featuring superstars like Beckham, Henry, and Totti. The latest TV ad, “Nutmeg Royale,” revisits these memorable moments, blending humor and skill. To celebrate this legacy, the Pepsi x AoF collection includes co-branded accessories like bucket hats, shoulder bags, and a reimagined football jersey that recalls the brand’s early 00s aesthetics.

Having recently been named Real Madrid’s Young Player of the Season and making a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored the decisive goal in the final, Vinicius Jr. is a perfect fit for Pepsi’s narrative. During our conversation, he expressed his excitement about this partnership, saying it reflects his ambition and dedication to improvement. He reminisced about watching Ronaldinho and other stars in similar campaigns and emphasized how meaningful it is to now be part of that legacy.

Vinicius also shared his enthusiasm for the AoF collection, noting that it honors the original 20-year-old designs and aims to delight Pepsi fans. With his unique blend of talent and style, he looks forward to what this partnership will bring in the future.