Pepsi® Unites Football Icons Through Generations in New Ad Campaign

Pepsi® has officially launched its latest global campaign titled Refresh the Game, bringing together football legends from various generations, clubs, and countries. This cinematic project not only rekindles nostalgia by revisiting iconic moments in football history but also promotes the evolution of the sport, especially women's football, which is on a meteoric rise.

The campaign features prominent current players such as Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Leah Williamson, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Farah Jefry, who share the screen with football greats like Pelé, David Beckham, and Ronaldinho. Together, they illustrate the journey and transformation of football through compelling storytelling.

In Refresh the Game, audiences are transported through time as they witness today's stars revisiting legendary scenes. The film commences with our modern icons, who, during a press conference, find themselves in a different era, capturing moments from Pepsi’s historic adverts over the last 50 years. One of the standout sequences has Putellas picking up a ball alongside Pelé, reminiscent of scenes from the 1974 film Join the Pepsi Generation. Their chemistry on-screen is electric as Pelé delivers a precise pass, allowing Putellas to showcase her flair with a stunning rainbow flick over a defender.

Putellas remarked, “To be ‘playing’ with Pelé, even if it's a fictional game, feels surreal. Growing up, he was a substantial inspiration to many, including myself. My hope is that this film ignites similar aspirations in young athletes.” The ethos behind this campaign resonates deeply, rooted in uplifting the next generation of female players who are redefining their sport.

The nostalgia doesn’t stop there; the film nods to Pepsi's extraordinary 2005 Surfers campaign by recreating a stunning beach setting where Ronaldinho and Graham Hansen engage in an awe-inspiring display of skill across the waves. As Leah Williamson makes a dramatic appearance, executing a scintillating volley toward a iconic Pepsi cooler, the bombastic energy of the scene captures the joy of football.

In reflecting on her part in full view of the unforgettable original advertising, Graham Hansen encapsulated her excitement: “Being part of reimagining the Surfers sequence was surreal. The energy among my fellow athletes made the scene truly come alive.” Ronaldinho echoed this sentiment, stating, “The nostalgia of seeing the Surfers scene recreated is incredibly special. The film's message—encouraging aspiring athletes—resonates deeply with me.”

As the film progresses, we find David Beckham in a classic Wild West saloon, triggering memories from 2003's Wild West ad. The youthful exuberance of Lauren James sees her heroically intercept an ice-cold bottle of Pepsi before joining Jefry in a cheeky nutmeg that encapsulates the playfulness of football.

James expressed, “To share the screen with such respected legends is a dream come true. Being part of a Pepsi campaign beside icons who are reshaping modern football will forever remain a career highlight.” Beckham highlighted the significance of the campaign by stating, “We are witnessing a new generation of extraordinary talents, and it’s an honor to stand alongside them. The players featured are crucial to the growth of women's football today.”

Adding to the inspirational spirit of the campaign, Farah Jefry noted, “Growing up, I watched Pepsi's iconic football commercials. To be featured in one is an incredible feeling. Battling it out in the Wild West alongside Lauren James has been exhilarating!”

Cathy Graham Kidd, Senior Marketing Director at Pepsi, stated, “Refresh the Game celebrates both past legends and the trailblazers of today. We are committed to accelerating the growth of women’s football and using entertainment to draw more eyes to the sport. By showcasing talent and joy, we aim to highlight the beauty of football.” Pepsi has cemented its legacy in football culture over the past half-century, and this new commitment to women’s football further strengthens that bond.

Pepsi promises to continue championing global football icons while drawing spotlight to local stars. As the campaign unfolds, fans can engage with it across Pepsi's social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. With a significant upcoming summer of football, the excitement surrounding this campaign is palpable, hinting at an era filled with thrilling matches and inspiring stories ahead.

For more information on Pepsi's initiatives and the Refresh the Game campaign, check Pepsi’s official website or social media channels.