Hyundai Motor Company, an official FIFA Partner, delivered a Santa Fe to Ricardo Kaká, its Brand Ambassador for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Kaká, a ‘FIFA World Player of the Year’ and ‘Ballon d’Or’ winner in 2007, will play a central role in building relationships between Hyundai Motor and football fans worldwide.
“It’s a real pleasure to be a part of Hyundai Motor’s campaign around the FIFA World Cup. I’m happy to be sharing the passion and excitement of football with so many people, and it’s great to drive the Hyundai Santa Fe,” Kaká said at an exclusive handover ceremony in Milan, Italy, where the A.C. Milan midfielder lives with his family. He will drive the award-winning SUV throughout the year.
The car was delivered by James Oh, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company Italy. “Our commitment to football unites fans around the world, bringing them closer to the game. As a Brand Ambassador for Hyundai Motor, Kaká helps to excite the emotions of fans and connect us with a global audience,” said Mr. Oh.
Kaká was selected as a worldwide Brand Ambassador for 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil together with Spaniard Iker Casillas and Brazilian Oscar Emboaba in March. The three stars will build relationships between Hyundai Motor and football fans through a broad range of marketing activities throughout the year. Hyundai Motor is also running its “Hyundai Go! Brasil” digital program – a special project created to engage consumers around Hyundai and football. More information will be revealed later this month.
Hyundai Motor’s partnership with FIFA began in 1999 and it is currently set to run until 2022. Hyundai Motor successfully supported major events such as FIFA World Cu in Korea-Japan (2002), Germany (2006) and South Africa (2010), as well as other competitions such as FIFA Confederations Cup. The successful sponsorship of international football has contributed greatly to Hyundai Motor’s strong and continuously-improving brand awareness and image.