PokerStars cultural ambassador Neymar Jr fronts new UK ad campaign
PSG and Brazil star moves beyond brand ambassador role as he creates Spotify playlists and curates artwork for the Isle of Man-based operator
PokerStars has hired brand ambassador and Brazilian football star Neymar Jr in a new cultural ambassador role as he continues his marketing partnership with the Flutter-owned operator.
According to PokerStars, the PSG attacker will collaborate closely on a series of creative projects and TV ads inspired by the world of culture, from art and design to music and more.
In his first foray as cultural ambassador, Neymar Jr has curated a series of music playlists in partnership with PokerStars which have since gone live on Spotify.
The promotion coincides with a new UK advertising campaign as seen below.
PokerStars global director of brand and creative Martin Nieri said: “Neymar Jr is not just a globally recognised sports star, he is also a proven creative with a deep interest in the culture around him.
“This new role marks the start of something exciting for the PokerStars community, a merging of two worlds, where poker meets culture.
“In a first for the industry, together we’ll be creating moments to truly shake up poker and rewarding those who get involved in all that’s to come,” he added.
On Tuesday, Neymar’s PSG team booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals with a two-legged victory over German giants Bayern Munich. They will now take on Manchester City.
Speaking about his new role, Neymar Jr said: “Poker is so much more than just the game. It is a community and a culture and that is what I love about it.
“I am excited to start this next chapter with PokerStars and we are already collaborating on a number of key areas.
“Music is a real passion of mine, so that was first on the list, but there is much more to come. I am excited for you to see what else we have in store,” he added.
Neymar, who first joined PokerStars in May 2015 as an ambassador, is a keen poker player who has represented the brand at live events. His best live tournament cash to date is a somewhat modest $21,000 when compared to his earnings both on and off the pitch.