COCA-COLA partners with soccer superstar FRANCISCO GUILLERMO "MEMO" OCHOA to bring excitement to local hispanic communities

PHOENIX, AZ.- Coca-Cola North America (CCNA) today announced a high-profile partnership with Mexican superstar and goalkeeper Francisco Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa. Memo will become an official Coca-Cola spokesperson and will participate in various marketing and public relations initiatives including customer appearances, autograph signings and meet and greets with passionate soccer fans around the U.S. The announcement was made in Phoenix, where Memo and the Mexican National Team (MNT) are preparing to take on Ecuador in a friendly match on November 12 at Chase Field.

“We’re proud to partner with a tremendous athlete like Memo, who inspires fans to dream big and live positively,” said Reinaldo Padua, assistant vice president, Hispanic Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “As an official sponsor of the MNT, Coca-Cola continues to enhance its initiatives to bring the excitement of soccer to Hispanic communities throughout the U.S.”

At 23, Memo is one of the most recognizable figures in Mexican soccer and arguably one of the top goalkeepers in the world. In addition to electrifying fans with game-saving stops in recent international play, he is also known for leading Club América to a Mexican League championship in 2005.

“It’s an honor to work with Coca-Cola and have the chance to interact with soccer fans in their own communities,” said Memo. “I’m excited to team up with a company that’s so committed to supporting Latino athletes and the sport I love.”

For more than 30 years Coca-Cola has been one of the major partners of the MNT in Mexico and expanded the relationship to the U.S. in 2003. Through this partnership, Coca-Cola has been able to leverage the passion that many consumers have for the MNT by creating specific programs and hosting memorable occasions for fans. They include autograph signings, personal appearances, soccer clinics and players meet and greets with consumers and local community organizations.