Pepsi announces superstar 2014 football squad

Late last week in New York, Pepsi announced the names of the superstar 2014 football squad, which has 19 of the world's greatest players, who span five continents and nearly 20 countries. They will unite with the company to inspire fans the world over to 'Live For Now' in 2014.

Brazilian defender David Luiz, prolific goal scorer Robin van Persie and Spanish great Sergio Ramos will join record-breaking football superstar Leo Messi, Argentinian international striker Sergio Agüero and young British talent Jack Wilshere.

Additional footballing greats are Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Colombia), Clint Dempsey (US), Tarik Elyounoussi (Norway), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras), Mario Gomez (Germany), Vincent Kompany (Belgium), Kemar Lawrence (Jamaica), Victor Moses (Nigeria), Peter Osaze Odemwingie (Nigeria), Oribe Peralta (Mexico), Andriy Pyatov (Ukraine), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Gylfi Por Sigurðsson (Iceland).

Pepsi announces superstar 2014 football squad

"Football has been my passion since I was a little boy and it's certainly one of the things I live for now. I am so proud to be partnering with Pepsi again and representing the brand globally as part of this star-studded team," says four-time player of the year and Argentinian captain Leo Messi.

The players took to social media to unveil the entire roster in an exciting digital relay that reached fans across the globe last week.

The global player announcement also kicked off a series of exciting yearlong activities as part of the 2014 campaign. The players will star in the company's global television commercial to be released later in the year and a selection of the players will also be featured on limited edition, eye-catching packaging and point of sale in select countries across the globe, designed to bring to life their flair and enthusiasm for the game. Integrations with music, art, digital, interactive experiences and additional special products will be unveiled throughout the year.

Throughout the years, football has been a strong driver of growth for the group, with both its global beverages and snacks brands activating robust programs in 2014.

Kristin Patrick, Pepsi global chief marketing office, PepsiCo Global Beverages Group comments, "The company has had a tremendous relationship with football, going back nearly 15 years. For this, our latest incarnation, we've brought together our most impressive football roster yet, comprised of players who embody our brand spirit and excite and electrify us every time they step on the pitch. Our players know how to live for the moment and, throughout the year, we'll be collaborating with them to bring our fans exciting and engaging content, products and experiences - bringing fans closer to the game they love."

For more information, go to www.pepsi.com.