Welcome back to our viral football meme series! Today, we’re diving into one of the most iconic moments from one of the greatest footballers of all time—Cristiano Ronaldo.
We’re talking about that viral moment during Euro 2020 that sent shockwaves through social media and caused Coca-Cola to lose billions in market value. Yes, you guessed it, we’re breaking down Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola meme!
This is the seventh article in our series, and it feels only right to feature the greatest player to wear the no 7.
So, let’s get into the story behind one of the funniest, yet most financially impactful, memes in football history.
The Story Behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s Coca Cola Meme
The Moment: Euro 2020 Press Conference
Cristiano Ronaldo is no stranger to breaking records and grabbing headlines, but at Euro 2020, it wasn’t his footballing prowess that stole the show. Instead, it was a simple gesture at a pre-match press conference that turned into a viral sensation.
Picture this: Ronaldo, who is famously known for his healthy lifestyle and strict diet, walks into the press conference room before Portugal’s group-stage game against Hungary.
As he takes his seat in front of the cameras, his eyes catch sight of two Coca-Cola bottles placed right in front of him on the table.
Coca-Cola, of course, was one of the official sponsors of the tournament, so their products were naturally on display.
However, Ronaldo—never one to shy away from his principles—wasn’t having any of it. Without hesitation, he grabbed the two bottles of Coca-Cola, moved them out of the camera’s frame, and held up a bottle of water instead.
He then looked into the cameras and, in his typical no-nonsense style, said, “Água!” (Water!), signaling to the world that people should drink water instead.
The Internet Reacts: A Meme is Born
It didn’t take long for the clip to go viral. Within hours, the internet was flooded with memes, jokes, and posts about Ronaldo’s apparent disdain for Coca-Cola.
The football world, of course, couldn’t resist turning this into a hilarious moment of banter. Memes ranged from mock interviews with players “removing” sponsors to jokes about how Ronaldo might tackle unhealthy food brands next.
For fans, this wasn’t just a meme about a press conference—it was the perfect example of Ronaldo’s commitment to his healthy lifestyle.
Ronaldo’s image is one of discipline and peak performance, so seeing him publicly reject sugary soft drinks in favor of water was classic Ronaldo.
The “Coca-Cola moment” quickly became a staple in football banter circles, with fans of all clubs using it to make fun of opponents or joke about their own players’ fitness levels.
Ronaldo’s simple action had become one of the most memorable memes of Euro 2020.
The Financial Impact: Coca-Cola Takes a Hit
While the meme was all fun and games for football fans, things weren’t quite so amusing for Coca-Cola.
The day after Ronaldo’s gesture, the soft drink giant saw a significant dip in its stock price. Reports suggested that Coca-Cola lost roughly $4 billion in market value as a result. Yes, you read that right—four billion dollars.
To put it into perspective, that’s the kind of financial loss that major corporations dread. And while it’s difficult to say exactly how much of that drop was due to Ronaldo’s actions alone, the timing certainly suggests that his influence played a massive role.
After all, this wasn’t just any player moving the bottles—this was Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most famous and influential athletes in the world.
For Coca-Cola, it was a reminder of the power of a single gesture by a global superstar. While they had paid millions to sponsor Euro 2020 and ensure their brand was visible, it took Ronaldo mere seconds to turn the tables.
The Reaction: Ronaldo Stays Ronaldo
As the clip spread across social media, fans and analysts alike praised Ronaldo for staying true to his principles.
Throughout his career, Ronaldo has been known for his strict training regimen and impeccable fitness, so it wasn’t surprising that he chose to make a statement about drinking water instead of sugary soft drinks.
In fact, this moment became yet another example of why Ronaldo has remained at the top of his game for so long. His commitment to a healthy lifestyle is unwavering, and he’s never been shy about sharing that with the world.
Whether he’s promoting his own fitness brand or simply making choices like this one, Ronaldo always puts his health first.
What makes this moment even more iconic is how it ties into his overall image. Ronaldo is someone who preaches discipline and hard work, and this was a perfect opportunity for him to reinforce that message.
It wasn’t just about rejecting Coca-Cola; it was about setting an example for young athletes and fans around the world.
The Influence of Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has always had an aura of influence, but this moment at Euro 2020 highlighted just how far-reaching his impact truly is.
Whether it’s with his performances on the pitch or his actions off of it, Ronaldo has a way of commanding attention and sparking reactions.
In this case, his simple removal of two Coca-Cola bottles wasn’t just about making a point; it was a powerful reminder that athletes have a platform that goes beyond sports.
For Ronaldo, his commitment to health and fitness is just as important as his footballing abilities, and he’s never afraid to use his platform to promote what he believes in.
Conclusion:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s “Coca-Cola meme” may have started as a viral moment, but it has evolved into something much more. It’s a reminder of how much power athletes have to influence public opinion and even the financial markets.
But it’s also a reflection of who Ronaldo is—a player who always prioritizes his health and who isn’t afraid to make bold statements, even in the most unexpected of ways.
And while the moment has given us endless memes and laughs, it’s also given us something to think about. In a world where sports are often dominated by sponsorships and commercial interests,
Ronaldo’s simple act of moving two bottles of Coca-Cola was a powerful statement that resonated far beyond the football world.
So the next time you see a meme about Ronaldo and Coca-Cola, remember: it’s not just a joke—it’s a moment that captured the intersection of sports, health, and the influence of global superstars.
Stay tuned for the next article in this series as we continue to explore the viral moments that have shaped football culture!
