Coca-Cola responds after Cristiano Ronaldo gesture cost it $4 billion (2024)
Byhindustantimes.com | Edited by Amit Chaturvedi, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Coca-Cola has said that "everyone is entitled to their drink preferences" after football star Cristiano Ronaldo removed two of the company's soft drink bottles from his press conference. The incident happened during Ronaldo's press conference on Monday.
At the pre-match press conference for UEFA Euro 2020, the Portuguese star wasn't pleased with the fact that two Coca-Cola bottles were kept in front of him. So, he moved the bottles out of the camera view during and encouraged people to drink water instead. This gesture took $4 billion from Coca-Cola's market value and its shares dropped 1.6 per cent.
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Later, in a statement, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said, "Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences." The spokesperson added that people have different “tastes and needs”.
Coca-Cola is one of the official sponsors of Euro 2020.
On Tuesday, France midfielder Paul Pogba removed a bottle of Heineken beer that had been placed in front of him at a Euro 2020 news conference. Pogba, a practising Muslim, removed the bottle when he sat down to speak to the media after he was named 'Man of the Match' in France's 1-0 Group F win over Germany.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo made European Championships history as he became the all-time top scorer in the tournament after his record-shattering 10th and 11th finals goals in the opening Euro 2020 match against Hungary.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was playing his record fifth European Championship on Tuesday, overtook the previous mark of nine goals set by France's Michel Platini in Euro's all-time leading scorer list.
On the list of active players, only France's forward Antoine Griezmann comes close to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner as he has scored six goals in the seven matches played at Euros.
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How did Coca Cola respond to Ronaldo's comments? Coca Cola responded to the initial comments by saying "everyone is entitled to their drink preferences" and that everyone has different "tastes and needs".
The legendary footballer's dedication to health and fitness and his strong stance against sugary drinks once again became conspicuous at the recent Euro 2020 overnight press conference. Ronaldo removed the two bottles of Coca Cola, one of the event's sponsors, from the table in front of him.
Add to that that they have no grounds to sue him. He simply showed a preference for water over Cola. He didn't make up any lies about them, just that he prefers water. He didn't say that a competitors drink was better, just that he prefers water.
Coca Cola responded to the initial comments by saying "everyone is entitled to their drink preferences" and that everyone has different "tastes and needs". A spokesperson added: "Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences."
The entertainment and sports industries are generating more and more billionaires. Soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both reached billionaire status for the first time, together with golfer Tiger Woods, the NBA's LeBron James, boxer Floyd Mayweather, and retired tennis player Roger Federer.
Messi is the second highest-paid athlete in the world as of 2023, and has earned an estimated $1.15 billion in his career so far, according to Forbes. Messi owns a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio, holds lucrative brand partnerships, and even owns a hotel chain.
Sports-people know the best hydration is pure, or filtered water. Carbonated drinks do not quench your thirst as quickly. Sugary drinks even less so. Coca Cola is made using a multitude of different ingredients all of which adds to it's sugar content making co*ke a very very unhealthy drink for an athlete like him.
Ronaldo's this move was an indication to urge his fans to drink water rather than carbonated drinks. co*ke is a sponsor of the ongoing Euro 2020 where Ronaldo is representing Portugal. Also Read: It's time for UEFA Euro 2020, alerts Google with a doodle.
Ronaldo, who appeared slightly uncomfortable with the cold drinks on the table, then picked up the cola bottles and moved them away before lifting a water bottle. He was then heard saying “agua” (Portuguese for water) signalling that people should drink water instead of soft drinks.
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