One of the world's most famous brands has become a partner of the Croatian national football team and the Croatian Football Federation.
A sponsorship agreement was officially signed yesterday in Vodice between the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) and Coca-Cola in Croatia, marking a partnership between one of the world's most famous brands and the Croatian national team. The contract was signed by Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Federation, and on behalf of Coca-Cola in Croatia – Gjorgji Hristov, General Manager of Coca-Cola Adria, and Amela Čengić, Director of the Marketing and Commercial Excellence Department of Coca-Cola HBC Croatia, in the presence of Ante Cicvarić, Marketing Director of the Croatian Football Federation. Through this sponsorship, Coca-Cola becomes the official refreshment, while Powerade takes on the role of the official sports drink of the Vatreni.
The signing ceremony took place during Coca-Cola’s annual internal employee conference in Croatia. The event featured a panel discussion with HNS President Marijan Kustić and Croatian Head Coach Zlatko Dalić, focusing on leadership, motivation, and fostering team unity.
"The Croatian national team is our most famous global 'export,' while Coca-Cola is arguably the world’s most recognized brand, making this a truly powerful global partnership. I would like to thank Mr. Hristov and the leadership of Coca-Cola in Croatia for their trust; it is a pleasure to welcome Coca-Cola into the Croatian football family. This collaboration will allow for further investment in football development at all levels, while Powerade will provide our teams with a premium isotonic sports drink for training and matches" stated HNS President Marijan Kustić.
Gjorgji Hristov, General Manager of Coca-Cola Adria emphasized the importance of the partnership with HNS: "For decades, Coca-Cola has been a proud sponsor of the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Football Championship, actively contributing to the promotion of football worldwide. We are extremely proud to extend this commitment to Croatian football by signing a five-year sponsorship agreement with the Croatian Football Federation – the umbrella organization that plays a key role in the development of football in Croatia.
Partnering with the nation’s largest sports federation is a natural extension of our long-term commitment to values that unite people and evoke strong emotions. Through this sponsorship, and through our brands Coca-Cola and Powerade, we want to support athletes at all levels, as well as the system behind their success, relying on the strength of our brands and our rich global experience in sports partnerships.
Powerade, as a brand dedicated to hydration and sports performance, plays an important role in supporting players on and off the field, while Coca-Cola continues to create moments of connection, celebration, and shared passion among fans around the world. We wish the Croatian national football team much success and top results in the upcoming competitions."
"It is our pleasure to support the Croatian Football Federation and the national team, which not only delivers world-class results but also symbolizes unity, perseverance, and a fearless character Match after match, the Vatreni inspire us with their energy and tenacity; as their new partner, we look forward to creating many more iconic moments together" said Amela Čengić, Marketing and Commercial Excellence Director at Coca-Cola HBC Croatia.
To conclude the ceremony, HNS President Kustić presented the Coca-Cola partners with personalized jerseys of the current World Cup bronze medalists.
