The removal of two Coca-Cola bottles by Cristiano Ronaldo during a Euro 2020 press conference corresponded with a $4 billion reduction in the company’s market capitalization.
As he sat down to speak to the media on Monday in Budapest ahead of his national team’s Group F opener against Hungary, the Portugal captain was noticeably concerned when he saw two bottles of the fizzy soft drink in front of him.
Ronaldo, a proponent of a healthy diet, shifted the glass bottles out of the way and held out a bottle of water, saying in Portuguese, “Water!”
Soon after Ronaldo’s antics, Coca-stock Cola’s dropped 1.6 percent to $55.22. The market value dropped $4 billion from $242 billion to $238 billion.
Coca-Cola, an official sponsor of Euro 2020, issued a statement saying that “everyone is entitled to their drink choices” and that “tastes and needs” differ.
The Coca-Cola Company offers 200 different brands around the world, including several types of water. “On arriving at our press conferences, players are offered water, as well as Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar,” a Euro 2020 spokeswoman said.
“We could not organize a tournament with such success for players and fans, nor invest in the future of football at all levels” without the help of companies like Coca-Cola, it said.
Coca-Cola and UEFA have been partners since 1988, with the firm having “a long heritage of supporting all sports at various levels” and allowing “investment in football at all levels.”
At a press conference following France’s 1-0 triumph against Germany in Munich on Tuesday, midfielder Paul Pogba took a bottle of Heineken beer that had been placed in front of him.
When Pogba, a devout Muslim, went down to speak to the media after being chosen man of the match, he removed the bottle.
With 11 goals, Ronaldo, 36, became the all-time highest scorer in European Championship history. In his record fifth tournament appearance, the Juventus forward scored twice in Portugal’s 3-0 triumph over Hungary.
It took until the 84th minute for the defending champions to break the deadlock. Ronaldo posted a message on endurance to his almost 300 million Instagram followers.
“You have to know how to endure, fight until the finish, and always believe with all your power,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote. There are no simple opponents or games that can be won immediately.
“The European Championship is a prestigious event where only the finest of the best compete, and every victory must be earned with zeal and selflessness.” “Congratulations, team!”
