Pepsi Promotes Soccer Through The Ages

Pepsi’s love affair with soccer (or football, depending on your GPS coordinates) spans decades, marked by iconic appearances from legends like Pelé and David Beckham. But in 2025, as the sport evolves and new stars take center stage, Pepsi is evolving its playbook too.

The brand’s latest campaign, “Refresh the Game,” puts the spotlight on a new wave of soccer talent—Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham, and Lauren James—by quite literally placing them in Pepsi’s storied advertising past. Using a blend of AI, visual effects, and archival footage from the 1970s and early 2000s, these rising athletes are digitally inserted into classic Pepsi commercials, reimagining the ads for a new era.

It’s a clever play that bridges generations. While Pepsi celebrates its ongoing legacy in the sport, it also signals the future—reminding longtime fans of where they’ve been and showing new audiences where they’re going.

Marketing Takeaway:
When the cultural landscape shifts, brands can stay relevant by remixing their own history. Nostalgia brings credibility; fresh faces keep the momentum going. Pepsi’s approach shows that honoring the past doesn’t mean staying stuck in it—it can be a launchpad for what’s next.