Vini Jr. Scores a Goal for PEPSI Black's UEFA Champions League Sponsorship

PEPSI Black, the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, has launched a campaign that revisits an iconic moment in the career of its global ambassador, Vini Jr., one of the tournament's top players. In 2019, shortly after arriving in Spain, Vini Jr. was asked about the game’s outcome during a post-match interview. In his charming mix of Portuguese and Spanish, he quipped that he tried to 'meteli o goli' (score a goal). The phrase quickly went viral, becoming a meme among fans and supporters.

To celebrate this memorable moment, PEPSI and Vini Jr. recreated the famous interview - but with a twist. This time, Vini manages to 'meteli o gole' with PEPSI Black.

The campaign's video faithfully recreates the original interview: the same game-style backdrop, identical attire, and even the same Spanish reporter. When asked for his thoughts on the match, Vini Jr. humorously responds that while he couldn’t 'meteli o goli' then, he can now 'meteli o gole.' The reporter, puzzled, asks for clarification, and Vini Jr. explains, “Yes, yes. I scored a sip with PEPSI Black.”

This campaign aligns seamlessly with PEPSI’s bold, attitude-driven platform in Brazil, TOMA ESSA, which emphasises audacity, attitude, and entertainment - key hallmarks of the PEPSI brand.

“PEPSI Black is all about intensity, whether it’s in flavour or attitude, perfectly reflected in our TOMA ESSA positioning,” says Mariana Gomes, marketing manager for PEPSI. “Vini Jr., as our official ambassador, embodies the same boldness we celebrate. Recreating this memorable moment from his career was a fun and nostalgic experience, and we hope our consumers enjoy revisiting the meme while enjoying UEFA matches with PEPSI.”

The campaign's media strategy was designed to engage audiences at every stage of the brand's activation during the tournament. It spans multiple channels, including national TV, OOH placements in various Brazilian cities, Spotify ads, and partnerships with prominent content creators.

PEPSI Black invites fans to relive this iconic moment and celebrate the Champions League season with bold flavour and attitude.