Pepsi recreates its most iconic adverts with female football players

Pepsi reinterprets its classic ads to connect with new generations.

In the 1990s and 2000s, it was common for brands to compete over football’s biggest stars for their advertising campaigns. Pelé, Beckham, and Ronaldinho were regulars in memorable ads seen by millions around the world.

But times have changed, and although football still moves the masses, it now does so by adapting to new communication codes. For this reason, Pepsi wanted to blend the best of both eras by mixing its most iconic ads with female football stars.

Pepsi – Refresh Your Game

“Refresh Your Game” is the title of Pepsi’s campaign created by agency Copa90, which reinterprets some of Pepsi’s most classic adverts.

The piece recreates legendary ads like “Join the Pepsi Generation” from 1974 with Pelé, “Surfers” from 2005 with Ronaldinho, and “Wild West” from 2003 with Beckham. This time, however, we’ll see top female stars entering the scenes, such as Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Leah Williamson, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Farah Jefry.

Alexia Putellas exchanging dribbles and passes with Pelé, Graham Hansen riding waves in a new version of the surf ad, or Lauren James stealing the spotlight (and his Pepsi bottle) from David Beckham.

Pepsi Ad with Pelé – 1974

According to Núria Bombardó, Marketing Director of Beverages at PepsiCo Southwest Europe: “At Pepsi, we’re committed to driving women’s football forward, supporting those who break conventions to spark excitement and change. Together, by harnessing the power of entertainment, we want to bring women’s football to new audiences. The brand has always strived to renew and reinvent the status quo, through both products and collaborations.”

Pepsi Ad – Surfers – 2003

Alexia Putellas said: “As a child, Pelé was an icon both on and off the field, and his legacy continues to this day. I hope this campaign helps ignite that same motivation in young athletes worldwide, showing them that there’s a place in football for everyone.”

Arsenal player Leah Williamson added: “It’s a privilege to be part of something that bridges generations and inspires the next wave of footballers across the globe.”

And of course, David Beckham is thrilled by the new generation of players: “We’re witnessing a new generation of sports superstars. The players in this campaign have been essential in elevating women’s football to where it is today.”

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