Hydration Breaks

Anyone watching the World Cup will have noticed that the hydration break for players, even during matches where the weather doesn’t require it are used for advertising. No Lays, no game. This ad with Alexia Putellas, Steve Carrell, Beckham, Thierry Henry and finally for a brief appearance: Lionel Messi. It is sickening. It shows the pure greed of the world we live in. Do any of these celebrities have to be in adverts? Is it necessary to their career?  What makes someone sell out. What makes someone already respected for their craft become a corporate shill? Is there something in their contracts that forces them to do it or do they have such enormous debts that they’ll put their face to anything to make money?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o7SpmXlyo3A&pp=ygUea3J1c3R5IHRoZSBjbG93biBrcnVzdHkgYnVyZ2Vy&ra=m

I’m picking on this one advert as it rubs me the wrong way but the truth is ads rub me the wrong way. Using celebrities to sell perfume, watches, fast food, cars and non alcoholic beer is cheating. This is where the influencer came from. The I’ll scratch my back if you scratch mine soul selling. A few weeks before the World Cup began McDonalds posters started to appear on every street advertising plastic cups with the faces of genuine talent: Thierry Henry and David Beckham (this two are always sucking the corporate American fake tits), Ronaldinho (must be in debt), Lamine Yamal (he’s only new to this- most probably his manager made him do it), Heung-Min Son (thinking of the future) and Jonathan David. Here’s what he says on the Mc Donalds website:

When I look back on memories from growing up in Canada and now being part of a McDonald’s campaign and global tournament that brings fans together, it’s truly incredible — especially to have the opportunity to play on Canadian soil.” Alphonso Davies, Team Canada Captain shared. “I’m excited to represent McDonald’s and Canada on the world stage.” 

Is that him or something his press officer sent by email? There’s one thing taking bribes from the names of the companies on the shirt you have to wear for your club or the boots you are provided but someone must have put a gun to his head to make a professional athlete say this. Also after yesterdays game where Canada were knocked out by Morocco and David didn’t score it makes you wonder who was more focused on the sport. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz aren’t on their knees to McDonalds and Coca Cola they promote their own country. The World Cup is the big teams vs the small. Us vs them. Corporate greed vs sport. Who’s winning? 

An excerpt from the McDonalds website: 

From the pitch to our legendary cups, football’s biggest names share their personal McDonald’s memories and experiences. 

• David Beckham: “Football is about much more than what happens on the pitch. Campaigns like this bring fans and families together and build the excitement in the lead up and during the FIFA World Cup™ tournament.”

• Thierry Henry: “McDonald’s reminds me of home. The McDonald’s in Les Ulis was one of the first in the area, and growing up it was part of everyday life in the community. It wasn’t just about the food – it was a place people came together.” 

• Ronaldinho Gaúcho: “The FIFA World Cup 26™ is about football, joy, and bringing people together. McDonald’s also brings people together and makes people happy, so it’s exciting to be part of bringing them together in the campaign.”

• Heung-Min Son: “McDonald’s was one of the places I went to when I moved to LA, and it helped a new place feel familiar right away. No matter where you are, it can make you feel closer to home.” 

• Lamine Yamal: “Only at McDonald’s do I get to team up with Grimace – he’s got flow. Working with McDonald’s means celebrating the FIFA World Cup™ in a fun way – good food, good energy, and sharing those moments with family, friends, and fans.”

• Grimace: “Friends, food, and football equals big party!”