Pepsi has announced Real Madrid and Brazil player Vinicius Jr. as its latest global ambassador, following in the footsteps of fellow countryman and inspiration, Ronaldinho, by utilizing a new collection produced with Art of Football [AoF] that pays homage to then brand’s early 2000’s football advertising.

Pepsi and football have a lengthy history that is rich with nostalgia, due to more than two decades of legendary football campaigns. The latest TV ad, ‘Nutmeg Royale,’ for example, is a throwback to some of the brand’s most memorable TV spots from the early 2000s, in which a who’s who of global superstars like Beckham, Henry, Totti, Roberto Carlos, and, of course, Ronaldinho, would run amok through train stations, medieval battlefields, and more.

That was 20 years ago, and to pay homage to that era, Pepsi has enlisted the help of the creative minds at Art of Football to produce a collection that also happens to be the perfect springboard from which to unveil the brand’s new global ambassador: Vinicius Jr.

The Pepsi x [AoF] collection continues last year’s collaboration with Golden Cabane, and the retro-inspired items pay homage to Pepsi’s iconic 00’s football strip, which debuted 20 years ago. The collection includes co-branded accessories such as a bucket hat, shoulder bag, and tote, as well as a reworking of Pepsi’s early 2000’s football jersey.

Those with sharp eyes may have noticed the new shirt in the ‘Nutmeg Royale’ advertisement, which also featured the iconic Ronaldinho, who is back in the game. Vincius Jr., one of the most exciting talents in international football, is now joining his fellow countryman, Lionel Messi, as Pepsi’s newest global brand ambassador.

Recently crowned as Real Madrid’s Young Player of the Season, and following an epic UEFA Champions League tournament in which he scored the only goal in the UCL final, landing Real Madrid their Champions League 14th title, Vini Jr is the epitome of what Pepsi is dubbing ‘Generation Thirsty’; his global influence on and off the pitch encapsulates his personal style and love of design, making him a perfect partner to stand alongside Ronaldinho and Messi.

We were able to catch up with Vini – fittingly dressed out in bespoke garments from the brand new Pepsi x [AoF] collection, including the reimagined kit first made famous by Pepsi 20 years ago – to find out what his new role with the brand means to him, given the footsteps he’s following in, as well as talk more about his love of fashion and playing for Brazil at the World Cup.

Tell us more about the Pepsi “Thirsty For More” campaign…

I’m thrilled to be a brand ambassador and even more thrilled to have formed this collaboration with Pepsi after having followed the brand for so long. Finally, working with them, with this incredible team, is vital to me, to my image, and I believe I’ll be with them for a long time, and we can develop something enormous together.

The brand embodies my drive, my will to win and to grow day by day. I believe I can always improve. I would always pay attention when Ronaldinho, David Beckham, and other players I admired and followed were involved in this effort. Now, being here is incredibly important to me, and it’s something that can only get better, and I’m glad to be a part of it.

What can fans anticipate from the AOF collection?

They look fantastic, and I already have my shirt; I’m delighted to be a part of it. The collection pays homage to a campaign from 20 years ago, commemorating the 20th anniversary by returning to this first shirt – I think Pepsi fans will be pleased. As I already stated, I used to watch Ronaldinho and David Beckham when I was younger, and Ronaldinho was in the last campaign, which makes it even more meaningful.

Tell us about the significance of expressing oneself through fashion, clothing, and varied looks.

I keep track of NBA players and how they come at games, and I’m a great fan of people in the United States, so every day I fall more in love with fashion, and I like to look nice. It’s vital to everyone, and it’s something I’m extremely passionate about.

In terms of inspiration, I also admire Lewis Hamilton, a sportsperson I admire outside of football. He’s a person I like to keep an eye on since he looks for himself and is constantly on point.

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

Oh, there are many basketball players, such as LeBron James. Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho each have their own distinct style, and as time passes, athletes get more in sync with the fashion world. It’s something I’d like to work on in my spare time – I go to Fashion Week whenever I can, and I have a tremendous enthusiasm for it, anything within the fashion industry.

The fashion industry. I enjoy participating. I used to hire a stylist to help me choose clothes and stay on-trend. It’s something I enjoy doing.

When did your interest in fashion begin?

It happened shortly after I arrived in Europe. There’s a different vibe in Europe, and I was fascinated very immediately. I was in France and would always tell my friends that people in France are always well-dressed and that’s why they’re such leaders in fashion. I adore it, and I want to immerse myself further in the world and in fashion.

I have a lot of clothes, but they are mostly trainers. Nike surely contributes to my affinity for footwear.

Do you think football shirts will become popular in the same way that basketball shirts have?

Of course. People enjoy them, especially in Brazil, where you may often see people wearing football jerseys. I can’t, can I? [laughs] I wear a Real Madrid or a Brasil jersey so frequently that I don’t mind wearing a football shirt when I go out. But people in Brazil do, and it appears to be spreading across the globe as well. I haven’t seen many people wearing them here yet, but in Brazil, you’ll see people wearing team shirts everywhere you go.

Can you compare the styles of Spain and Brazil?

People who make an effort wear a shirt, whereas people in Brazil don’t wear shirts very often, thus I like the Brazilian look. When I wear a shirt, I’m going to a really exceptional function or meeting. If not, I’ll just go with my own look.

What is the significance of music to you, and who are your favorite musicians?

Music is really important to me. I enjoy reggaeton, thus many reggaeton musicians would be on my list, but there are others from Brazil as well. I have a lot of singer friends in Brazil, so it’s easy for me. But I have a wide musical taste and enjoy a little bit of everything. I enjoy the music of various American artists, the most evident being Travis Scott and Drake.

But in Brazil, if I had to name favorites, it would definitely be Thiaguinho and Ludmilla.

What role does music play in your football career?

I’m constantly listening to music. I listen to music on my way to games, and while I’m alone before the game, I’ll be listening to certain music or the song I’m going to dance to throughout the game. So I listen to a lot of music to get ready for a game.

What does it mean to you to play for Brazil?

It means a great deal to me. To be able to play for my nation is a childhood dream come true for me and my family. As the World Cup approaches, you begin to feel increasingly significant, because everyone is watching and rooting for you to win the trophy, which is so crucial for the country. I’m honored to wear the Brazil jersey, and it will be much more meaningful at the World Cup.

How has your celebrity influenced your family?

If I’m being honest, a lot, because they’re all a part of it. They do everything they can to assist me, which is very essential to me. I’m overjoyed to be so near to my entire family. I live with my entire family, my siblings, and I believe that connection is really vital to everyone, including myself. When I’m with them, I feel more significant and special, but only in the manner that they are to me.

Finally, now that you’ve attained success, what are your dreams?

Oh, I’m constantly looking ahead; obviously, the next goal and step up is the World Cup. I can hardly wait. I’m really thrilled it’s almost here and that I’ll be able to fulfill my ambition of competing in the event.

Photography by Rocío Aguirre and Sharon Lopez for SoccerBible