Pepsi reimagine famous adverts with new 'Refresh the Game' campaign

  • Pepsi's new campaign will likely unlock some old memories
  • Ambasssadors Alexia Putellas, Lauren James and Leah Williamson feature
  • Pele, Ronaldinho and David Beckham key figures in past adverts
Pepsi past and present.
Pepsi past and present. / Pepsi
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Ahead of the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships, Pepsi has launched a new global campaign titled "Refresh the Game", blending football nostalgia with modern-day star power in a celebration of the sport’s evolution.

The one-minute film features current Pepsi ambassadors Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Leah Williamson, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Farah Jefry. It also brings back legendary figures Pelé, Ronaldinho and David Beckham to recreate some of Pepsi’s most iconic adverts.

"Refresh the Game" kicks off with a press conference scene before the players are transported into memorable moments from Pepsi’s advertising history.

Putellas is first, joining Pelé in a recreation of the 1974 film "Join the Pepsi Generation." Graham Hansen then appears alongside Ronaldinho in a high-energy sequence inspired by Pepsi’s 2005 "Surfers" ad, set dramatically over water. James makes a surprise cameo in the 2003 Wild West-themed commercial originally featuring David Beckham, cheekily intercepting his drink as it slides across the bar.

The film wraps up in the present day, with Putellas flicking a Pepsi can from Beckham’s hands to James, who takes a sip - signifying the passing of the torch from past icons to today’s game-changers.


Alexia Putellas
Barcelona's Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is one of Pepsi's ambassadors. / Pepsi

True to its name, "Refresh the Game" connects football’s legendary past with its rapidly evolving present, putting women’s football front and centre.

David Beckham shared his excitement about the collaboration: "We're witnessing a new generation of sporting superstars, and it's been an honour to feature alongside them. The players in this campaign have played a pivotal role in getting women's football to where it is today."

Cathy Graham Kidd, Senior Marketing Director at Pepsi, added: "Our new film 'Refresh the Game' celebrates football legends of the past and champions the stars redefining the game today.

"At Pepsi we are committed to accelerating women's football, supporting those who challenge conventions to drive excitement and change. By using the power of entertainment, together, we want to bring women's football to new audiences by showcasing the raw talent and joy it brings."

As the Women’s Euro 2025 approaches, Pepsi’s campaign sets the tone—bridging generations of football while celebrating the women reshaping its future.



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