PLANO, TX — For years, fans from around the globe have argued about whether the sport is called football or soccer. Frito-Lay, the first-ever salty-snack brand sponsor in FIFA and FIFA World Cup™ history, is fueling the debate by bringing together a roster of global sports icons, including three-time FIFA World Cup™ player David Beckham and American football legend Peyton Manning, to kick off the next phase of the brand’s ongoing FIFA World Cup™ campaign.
The new “Soccer or Football” commercial, directed by legendary Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay, premieres nationally today and will run on both television and digital throughout the duration of the FIFA World Cup™ (Sunday, Dec. 18).
“Frito-Lay is rooted in bringing real joy to our consumers, especially through our sports partnerships,” said Brett O’Brien, chief marketing officer of Frito-Lay North America. “As soccer grows in popularity across North America, we hope to make the tournament even more fun with the limited-time Lay’s globally inspired snacks and now our FIFA World Cup™ campaign. We are thrilled to collaborate with Michael Bay, David Beckham, Peyton Manning and this incredible group of sports icons to have some fun with this age-old debate and remind people to not forget the chips as they watch the FIFA World Cup™.”
So, is it Called Soccer or Football?
“Soccer or Football” sets out to help settle the score on one of sports’ oldest debates with the help of Beckham and Manning. The spot also features a series of cameos from soccer legends Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Julie Foudy, and Tim Howard who offer their take, reigniting the discussion amongst other soccer – or football – fans.
“I’ve had a great time working with the Frito-Lay team in the past and know how creative they can be, but this debate they’ve inspired takes things to a new level,” said Manning. “No matter what side of the football vs. soccer conversation people land on, hopefully they are entertained!”
“It’s been great working with Frito-Lay and Peyton on this campaign and to appear alongside so many greats of the game,” said Beckham. “It was an amazing experience to be directed by someone with the track record and talent of Michael Bay, and we had a lot of fun.”
No matter which side of the debate fans are on, Frito-Lay has everyone covered with the perfect snacks that will make any watch party complete, including Doritos®, Cheetos®, Lay’s®, Tostitos® and more.
