Ronaldinho kicks off Pepsi social media and e-commerce drive with Foosball challenge in Dubai

Football icon Ronaldinho stunned fans in Dubai when he was spotted showcasing his foosball skills playing on a custom-built Pepsi MAX Nutmeg Foosball Table.

The Brazil star helped the soft drinks brand unveil its new ‘pitch’ at the country’s Jumeirah Beach Residence, following his performance on Pepsi MAX’s Nutmeg Royale football film last month, showcasing the ‘nutmeg’ tactic and launched with the brand’s new limited edition ‘Pepsi Nutmeg’ flavour.

As part of the launch Pepsi Global’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook channels are showcasing Ronaldinho’s appearance and the film to drive visitors to its site and find out more about the table’s forever home, and the new drink, and fans are invited to get #ThirstyForMore.

The channels also link to Art of Football’s e-commerce site, which has joined forces with the soft drink brand for Pepsi X Aof. The collection of football merchandise includes the Pepsi X Aof jersey, worn by Ronaldinho when he turned up to play foosball, that pays homage to Pepsi’s football strip premiered 20 years ago.

Nutmeg your opponents

The custom table has been built with foosball players with parted legs so that those in control can try and ‘nutmeg’ their opponents – a version of the real-life pitch skill where players kick the ball through their opponents’ legs. The venture is an extension of Pepsi MAX’s foray to bring football, entertainment and innovation together to create memorable moments for their customers across the world.

Ronaldinho stayed on the ‘Beach’ to hand out signed shirts to fans that could nutmeg their opponent on the foosball table. Those at the Jumeirah Beach Residence can try their hand on the table by visiting the Pepsi Thirsty for More pop-up until 14 December.

The football icon said: “Celebrating the launch of the Pepsi Nutmeg Foosball Table by surprising football fans was such a thrilling experience. It’s always a pleasure to work alongside​​ Pepsi MAX who really set the bar when executing huge football moments within iconic worldwide locations.”

Gustavo Reyna, Pepsi’s Senior Director of Global Marketing added: “This exciting collaboration showcases Pepsi MAX’s ongoing commitment to bring entertainment and football together in new and innovative ways. Sharing this experience with Ronaldinho, our long time Pepsi MAX ambassador and the king of nutmegs, we are thrilled to have brought the first-ever Nutmeg Foosball Table to life and are excited for fans to put their nutmeg skills to the test on the table!”