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.

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.

Freshly crowned Real Madrid’s Young Player of the Season, and after an epic UEFA Champions League run in which he scored the only goal in the UCL final, helping Real Madrid win the Champions League 14th, Vini Jr is the epitome of what Pepsi is dubbing. ‘Generation Aspiration’; His global influence on and off the field is encapsulated in his personal style and love of design, making him the perfect partner to stand alongside Ronaldinho and Messi.

We were able to catch Vini – dressed to the nines in bespoke pieces from the all-new Pepsi x [AoF] collection, including the re-created set first made famous by Pepsi 20 years ago – to find out what his new role with the brand means for him, what footsteps he’s following, as well as talk more about his love of fashion him and played for Brazil at the World Cup.

Tell us more about the Pepsi “Desire for More” campaign…

I am delighted to be the brand representative and happy to have built this partnership with Pepsi after having followed the brand for a long time. To finally work with them, to work with this great team, it’s very important for me, for my image, and I believe that I will be with them for a long time, and we can build something big.

The brand has a lot in common with my ambition, the will to win – to improve every day. I believe I can always get better. I will always follow Ronaldinho, Beckham and other players that I admire and always follow, as part of this campaign. Now being here is important to me and something that can get better and better and I’m happy to be a part of it.

What can people expect from the AOF collection?

They look great and I got my shirt, I’m happy to be a part of it. The collection looks back at a campaign from 20 years ago that celebrates its 20th anniversary by returning to this first shirt – which I think will make Pepsi fans very happy. Like I said before, I would watch Ronaldinho and Beckham when I was younger, and Ronaldinho was in the last campaign I think, and that made it even more special.

Tell us a bit about the importance of self-expression, with fashion, clothes and different looks?

I follow NBA players, how they come to their matches and I am a big fan of those in America, so every day I love fashion more and I love to dress well. I think that’s important for people and it’s something I care a lot about.

In terms of inspiration, I also like what Lewis Hamilton talked about, as a sportsman who I admire a lot outside of football. He’s a guy I want to follow, who takes care of himself and is always on point.

Do you think there are other people and players starting their own fashion trends?

Oh yeah, there are a lot of basketball players, for example LeBron James. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho both have their own unique style, and over time, the players have become more and more in tune with the fashion scene. That’s something I want to develop in my time off the field – Whenever I can go to Fashion Week, I do and I have a real passion for it, whatever it is inside

fashion world. I love participating. I used to have a stylist to guide my clothing choices and help me stay on trend. That’s something I really enjoy.

When did your passion for fashion begin?

That was right after I arrived in Europe. There’s a different style in Europe, and I was hooked almost as soon as I got here. I was in France and always told my friends that people in France always dress well and that’s why they are such fashion leaders. I love it, and I want to get more and more involved in the world and keep up with fashion.

I have a lot of clothes but more trainers than clothes. I love trainers, and Nike has definitely helped with that passion.

Do you see soccer jerseys becoming as trendy as basketball jerseys?

Oh, sure. Especially in Brazil, people love them – you see people wearing football shirts out a lot. I can’t, right? [laughs] I wear Real Madrid or Brasil shirts very often, so I’m not too concerned about wearing football shirts on the field. But those in Brazil do, and it’s certainly expanding globally as well. I haven’t really seen many people wearing them here, but in Brazil, wherever you go you’ll see people wearing team shirts.

Can you compare Spanish and Brazilian styles?

I prefer Brazilian style because people who make an effort will wear shirts and people in Brazil don’t often wear shirts. When I wear a shirt it’s to go to a special event or special meeting. Otherwise, I will wear my own style.

How important is music to you and the artists you listen to the most?

For me, music is very loud. I really like reggaeton, a lot of singers who sing reggaeton would put me in my favorites list, but there are also others from Brazil. I have a lot of friends in Brazil who are singers, so it makes it easy. I have a pretty broad taste in music though and I like a little bit of everything. I like some American artists, Travis Scott and Drake are the obvious ones, I appreciate their music a lot.

But in Brazil, if I had to choose favorites it would probably be Thiaguinho, Ludmilla they are my favourites.

How does music relate to your playing football?

I always listen to music. I listen on the way to the game, I focus on my music, that time alone before the game, I will listen to a specific music or song that I will dance to during the game. So I listen to a lot of music and it motivates me before a match.

What does playing for Brazil mean to you?

It really means a lot to me. I am living my childhood dream and it is an achievement for me and my family, to play for my country. Now, closer and closer to the World Cup, you will feel more and more important, because everyone is watching you and cheering for you to win the title, something very important for the country . I’m very proud to wear the Brazilian shirt and it will be even more special for the World Cup.

How has your fame affected your family?

Well, a lot if I’m honest, because it’s all part of it. They do what they can to help me and that is very important to me. I am very happy to be close to my whole family. I live with my whole family, my siblings, and I think closeness is very important for everyone, and for me it’s no different. When I’m with them, I feel more important, I feel more special, but in the same way they are special to me.

The last thing… What is your dream now that you have achieved success?

Oh, I always look ahead, the next goal and step up, obviously the World Cup. I can’t wait. I’m excited that it’s close, and happy that it’s close, so I can fulfill my dream of playing in the tournament.

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