As the next worldwide ambassador for Pepsi, Vinicius Jr., a star of Real Madrid and Brazil, is following in the footsteps of fellow countryman and inspiration Ronaldinho. The series, created in collaboration with Art of Football [AoF], honors the brand’s football advertisements from the early 2000s.

Pepsi and football have a strong and sentimental relationship because of almost 20 years of iconic football advertisements. For example, the brand’s most memorable TV spots from the early 2000s, “Nutmeg Royale,” which features a who’s who of global superstars running amok through train stations, medieval battlefields, and more, include Beckham, Henry, Totti, Roberto Carlos, and of course, Ronaldinho. The ad is jam-packed with talents, cameos, and superstars.

Of course, that was twenty years ago. In remembrance of that period, Pepsi collaborated with the creative team at Art of Football to create a collection that, ironically, provides the perfect stage for Vinicius Jr.’s debut as the brand’s newest global ambassador.

Twenty years after its introduction, Pepsi’s iconic 00’s football strip is honored in the Pepsi x [AoF] collection. It is an extension of the Golden Cabane collection from the previous year. The co-branded accessories for the collection include a shoulder bag, bucket hat, and tote. The ensemble is finished with a replica of Pepsi’s football jersey from the early 2000s.

A keen-eyed viewer might have noticed the new shirt in the “Nutmeg Royale” commercial, which ironically showed the legendary Ronaldinho making a comeback to the fight. Alongside fellow countryman Lionel Messi, Vincius Jr., one of the most dynamic players in world football, is stepping up to become Pepsi’s newest global brand ambassador

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