Ronaldo's press conference stunt costs Coca-Cola $4b

Cristiano Ronaldo's press conference stunt costs Coca-Cola $4b

 

Cristiano Ronaldo removes bottles of Coca-Cola from his press conference table, prompting a $4b share price drop for the food beverage giants. (Photo credit: UEFA.com)

If you ever wondered if football superstars have strong influences on external business affairs, then you have your answers with Coca Cola’s $4b worth of share drop after Cristiano Ronaldo removed two bottles of the drink from his press conference table on Monday.

The food beverage giant recorded a massive drop in share price on Tuesday, coinciding with the Portugal star’s action, prompting investors to withdraw investments at a very crucial time.

Do NOT put Coca Cola in front of Cristiano Ronaldo 😠

This is absolutely brilliant 🤣 pic.twitter.com/bw9FYlTOI4

— Goal (@goal) June 15, 2021

In a bid to promote a healthy lifestyle, Ronaldo looked visibly puzzled when he saw the carbonated soft drinks before him.

He shoved them aside and raised a bottle of water, prompting social media conversations and dividing opinion.

In an official response to the incident, "everyone is entitled to their drink preferences" with different "tastes and needs."

Coca-Cola Company has 200 brands worldwide, including different types of water. A Euro 2020 spokesperson said: "Players are offered water, alongside Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, on arrival at our press conferences."

 

The source added that without the support of brands like Coca-Cola "we could not organise a tournament with such success for players and fans, nor invest in the future of football at all levels."

Coca-Cola has been supporting European championships since 1988 and that isn’t about to stop.

Ronaldo’s gesture which was followed by Paul Pogba’s removal of Heineken from his press conference table will continue to haunt the brand, much to the advantage of their direct rivals.

Paul Pogba was obviously inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo's beverage incident... 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/HvkoGakv7t

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) June 16, 2021