London - PepsiCo International and Microsoft Advertising on Friday announced the launch of an integrated digital advertising campaign to celebrate this year’s summer of football. Running in 14 markets worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East and South America, the campaign will leverage Microsoft’s product portfolio to drive brand engagement for PepsiCo International in addition to providing a unique brand entertainment experience online through the MSN portal, Microsoft said in a statement.

Kicking off on April 15 and running through to the end of the summer, the campaign, which targets the international football loving audience, will feature PepsiCo International’s exclusive content from eight international footballers including star players; Lionel Messi, Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Ricardo Kaka, Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres, Andrei Arshavin, and Michael Ballack along with six-time Grammy nominee, Akon’s charity single “Oh Africa” that accompanies PepsiCo International’s exciting campaign materials - all of which will be hosted on a dedicated PepsiCo International ‘Football Hero’ website.
“In addition to PepsiCo International’s exclusive content, Microsoft Advertising’s Creative Solutions team has created ‘Football Hero’ - a unique digital experience which allows users to embark on the journey of a ‘zero to hero’ footballer via a series of five interactive games.

The games will be integrated both into the overall branded web experience as well as into Windows Live Messenger, where people will be able to play the games with their friends. In addition, players can create their own personalised Avatar which will represent them as they participate in each of the games,” the statement said.