Using a new collection created with Art of Football [AoF] to pay homage to the brand’s early ’00s football ads, Pepsi has announced Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr. its newest global ambassador, following in the footsteps of his countryman and inspiration, Ronaldinho.

Pepsi and football have a long and nostalgic relationship, thanks to more than two decades of iconic football campaigns. Scattered as it is with plenty of superstars, skills and cameos, the latest TV commercial, ‘Nutmeg Royale’ for example, is a throwback to some of the brand’s most memorable TV spots from the early years. 00, in which global superstars such as Beckham, Henry, Totti, Roberto Carlos, and of course, Ronaldinho, will run through train stations, medieval battlefields and more.

Well, that was 20 years ago, and to pay homage to that era, Pepsi brought the creative folk of the Art of Football on board to create a collection that just so happened to be a springboard perfect to announce the new global brand ambassador: Vinicius Jr.

The Pepsi x [AoF] collection follows last year’s collection created with Golden Cabane and retro-inspired products that pay homage to Pepsi’s iconic football tournament, first launched 20 years ago. Co-branded accessories in the collection include bucket hats, shoulder bags and tote bags, while the collection is completed with a reimagining of Pepsi’s early ’00s football jerseys.

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The eagle-eyed may have spotted the new jersey in the ‘Nutmeg Royale’ ad, which coincidentally features the legendary Ronaldinho, once again back in the fray. Now, Vincius Jr. – one of the most exciting talents in world football – is preparing to join his compatriot, as well as Lionel Messi, as Pepsi’s newest global brand ambassador.