Emirates, an Official FIFA Worldwide Partner, has announced that Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese captain and winner of the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2013, is its newest Global Ambassador. The airline has also premiered its campaign video featuring the football superstar alongside Brazilian legend and fellow Global Ambassador for Emirates, Pelé – see the Featured Video on the Irish Travel Trade News home page.
The announcement comes 74 days before the world’s most watched sporting event kicks off in Pelé’s home country of Brazil. Twice named FIFA Player of the Year, Ronaldo, who plays for the Emirates-sponsored Real Madrid, will lead his national team to South America to compete in his third tournament, his second as Captain. Making his senior team debut for his country in 2003, he has since been capped over 100 times, holding the record for the youngest Portuguese player to reach the number while also setting the record for most goals scored.
In January, the airline announced three times World Cup winner Pelé as their first Global Ambassador since the 2006 competition in Germany, when Franz Beckenbauer was brought on board.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Brand, said: “Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé are well-known around the world. It is not only that their names and faces are synonymous with top-quality football, but also that they have the ability to inspire and connect with people within and beyond the sports arena. Each year Emirates is involved in more than 200 sports events, where fans and customers share exclusive experiences. This campaign reflects the Emirates philosophy to go beyond transporting people and to connect them through sports and culture.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is an icon for this generation of football fans and is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers on the pitch today. He has broken records and earned awards throughout his career. He is massively talented but he doesn’t rest on his laurels. Instead, he works hard to continue pushing himself to new heights. This ethos, plus his ability to inspire fans across the world is why we are delighted to be working with him.”
