PepsiCo and Algerian football superstar Riyad Mahrez have teamed up as part of an ‘Algerian Pride’ campaign to inspire younger people to reach for their dreams and rally the country around football. The move is part of PepsiCo’s efforts to stir Algeria’s passion and love for football and to inspire people to be more motivated to achieve their dreams.
“It is a privilege to represent PepsiCo and to join forces with the company here in Algeria where my father was born and where young people have big dreams but are too often faced with social economic barriers that they must first overcome. I know that because, when I was young, I had to surmount many barriers on the path to success. But, as they have for me, dreams can come true, even if the odds are sometimes stacked against you. Football can inspire younger generations and give people a strong sense of pride in Algeria. The support of PepsiCo can help to rally the nation, and show how the gap between potential and achievement can be bridged,” said Mr Mahrez.
As part of the campaign, Mr Mahrez created a motivational YouTube video in which he urges young Algerians to follow his lead in pursuing their dreams. In a following competition, he will engage younger Algerians in grassroots football skills auditions to grant the winners a chance to meet him for a training session.
“This is part of a ‘National Pride’ campaign by PepsiCo to inspire younger Algerians to dream big, and to urge the nation to unite and cheer for their team as led by Mahrez. “In a country like Algeria where football is one of the most important sports, we know we can reach younger people through inspirational superstars like Mahrez,” said Hossam Dabbous, Vice-President Beverage Category , Middle East and Africa, PepsiCo.
