Marketing & Sponsorship

Arsenal strike two-year global partnership with Unilever’s Dirt Is Good

The English Premier League club, Arsenal have announced a fresh two-year global partnership with Unilever‘s Dirt Is Good laundry brand (known as Persil in the UK, or OMO, Surf Excel, Breeze, Rinso, Ala or Skip elsewhere in the world).

Following this deal, the brand has been named the official partner of Arsenal’s men’s and women’s teams.

The groundbreaking collaboration underlines Arsenal’s and Dirt Is Good’s conviction in the power of sport to unlock human potential. The alliance will leverage both brands’ worldwide reach to assist younger generations in understanding the importance of participating in sports, getting involved, and getting messy.

Arsenal in the Community has a long and proud tradition of making a positive difference in the lives of young people in both the club’s local and worldwide communities. Dirt Is Good will collaborate closely with the team’s men’s and women’s first-team players, the Arsenal Foundation, and local community programs to foster a sense of belonging among the club’s community members and improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Arsenal and Dirt Is Good are well-known brands with strong ideals and long histories. The club embraces a dedication to excellence, whether through Dirt Is Good goods or on the football field. The collaboration will highlight Dirt Is Good’s high-performance laundry solutions, as well as its ability to provide great cleaning even in rapid and cold washes.

Furthermore, Bukayo Saka will also take on the formal role of global ambassador for Dirt Is Good. Through this, he will share stories from his own journey into professional football in order to inspire young people to reach their best potential.

Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer, Arsenal, said, “We are delighted to be announcing our partnership with Unilever’s Dirt Is Good brand to spread the message that playing sport – and getting dirty while you do it – develops life-enhancing physical and emotional skills. This is the first time Arsenal has had a Fabric Care Partner and is a further sign of our commercial strength and global appeal.”

On this partnership, Saka said, “This partnership with Dirt is Good is close to my heart because I have been at Arsenal since I was eight years old, and I know just how important football and sport have been for my development as a person. I want more young people to have the chance to follow in my footsteps and experience the power and joy of sport with communities across the world.”

Tatiana Lindenberg, Vice-President of Marketing for Dirt Is Good, commented, “We recognise the importance of sports, getting stuck in and ‘getting dirty’ in the growth and development of children and young adults, as well as in improving personal attainment through greater self-esteem and confidence. We are partnering with Arsenal, one of the world’s biggest football clubs, to help amplify this message and the value of sport to fuel resilience, determination, and personal growth.

“We’re proud to be working with a club that shares the same values around inclusivity and community, and we can’t wait to kick off our relationship with Bukayo Saka. We are keen to encourage kids to get outside, get stuck in and get dirty, seeing the benefits both on and off the pitch.”

Previously, Arsenal also extended their association with Emirates and Cadbury, while also developing new deals with Camden Town Brewery and TCL.

Arsenal are all set to commence their 2023–24 campaign this Saturday, i.e., August 12, against Nottingham Forest. The Reds will look to dominate the season and clinch the title, which they narrowly missed out on last year.

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LaLiga

The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo celebrate son Thiago Messi’s 13th birthday with Barcelona-themed decorations

The Messi Family Still Love Barcelona! Leo & Antonela Celebrate Son Thiago’s Birthday With A Blaugrana-Themed Party

Even though Lionel Messi now thrills fans in Miami, his heart clearly still beats for Barcelona. The Argentine legend and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday — complete with the club’s iconic Blaugrana colours, a Camp Nou-shaped cake, and the famous “Mes Que un Club” motto proudly displayed.

A Birthday Steeped In Barca Spirit

Photos and videos shared by Antonela on social media showed the family surrounded by vibrant Barcelona decor — a sea of red and blue balloons, a giant club crest, and even a backdrop of Camp Nou. Thiago, wearing Barca’s 2024/25 third kit with his name and age printed on the back, grinned as his parents captioned the moment:

“How wonderful it is to celebrate you, Thiagui! We love you so, so much.”

For fans, it was more than just a birthday — it was a reminder that the Messi family’s bond with Barcelona remains unbreakable, even three years after Leo’s emotional exit from the club.

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A post shared by Antonela Roccuzzo (@antonelaroccuzzo)

Barcelona: More Than A Club, More Than A Memory

Messi’s relationship with FC Barcelona runs deeper than football. From joining La Masia at 13 — the same age Thiago just turned — to lifting countless trophies, including the 2009 Sextuple, his journey defined an era of global football.

His records still stand tall: 672 goals, 778 appearances, and six Ballons d’Or during his time in Catalonia. But beyond the numbers, Messi represented Barcelona’s core — humility, artistry, and loyalty.

Even after leaving in 2021 due to financial struggles, Messi has never hidden his affection for the club and the city that gave him everything. The birthday celebration only reinforced that connection — a nod to where it all began.

Thiago Messi: Carrying The Torch

Born in Barcelona on November 2, 2012, Thiago has spent much of his life steeped in the world of football. He trained briefly with Barca’s youth academy before joining PSG’s setup when the family moved to Paris, and now shines at Inter Miami’s U-13 side.

Despite growing up in different countries, Thiago’s heart still leans toward the Blaugrana. He has even mentioned his admiration for Lamine Yamal and dreams of one day playing alongside the teenage sensation — a sweet echo of his father’s legacy.

But for Messi, the focus remains on joy, not pressure. He’s repeatedly said he doesn’t want to force his sons into football — yet gestures like this party show how much Barcelona remains a part of their family identity.

A Party Full Of Love And Legacy

The Messi family’s celebration wasn’t just a party — it was a tribute. A reminder that no matter where they live or play, Barcelona will always be home.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

Sports fans cheering in a stadium, representing the global sports market and fan culture.

Inside The Sports Market: Why The Best Sport Blog Is More Than Just Scores

When you think about a sport blog, you might picture match highlights, game recaps, and maybe a few hot takes. But here at Sports Market International, we believe the best sport blog should offer more than that.

Sports today are not just about who won or who lost. They’re about the market that powers the game — sponsorships, fan engagement, athlete branding, and the business moves shaping the future. And that’s exactly where we come in.

Why Sports Market International Is Different

We cover:

The Sports Market Behind The Game → From billion-dollar broadcast rights to grassroots investments.
Athlete Branding → How stars like LeBron, Messi, or Alcaraz become more than athletes.
Fan Culture → The chants, the memes, the jerseys, the digital communities.
Global Trends → How sports in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas intersect in today’s world.

The Fun Side Of Sports

Yes, we get serious about markets and strategy, but sports are also about joy. The last-minute goals, the unexpected underdog wins, the viral locker room celebrations — we bring that energy into every post.

Why We Aim To Be The Best Sport Blog

Because we don’t just write about sports. We live inside the sports market, connecting culture, business, and fans in one space. Whether you’re a casual fan, a die-hard supporter, or an industry insider, Sports Market International is built for you.

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Marketing & Sponsorship

Borah Ndanyungu Reveals betPawa’s Vision In Unveiling Tekno

BY ADELU PRAISE DEBORAH

For Borah Omary Ndanyungu, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing & CSR, the choice of Afro-pop sensation Tekno as the brand’s new ambassador was clear. “Tekno represents everything we stand for — energy, creativity, and breaking boundaries. His music inspires millions, just as football does. That’s why he’s the perfect face of betPawa,” Borah explained at the unveiling in Lagos.

The decision reflects betPawa’s strategy of blending sport, music, and culture to connect with Nigeria’s vibrant youth market. Coming just days after the brand invested ₦494 million in the Nigeria National League (NNL) through its Locker Room Bonus initiative, Tekno’s unveiling underscores the company’s twin approach of empowering players on the pitch while engaging fans off it.

Music meets mission

Tekno, famous for hits like Pana and Skeletun, said the collaboration felt natural. “From the studio to the stage, I’ve always been about breaking limits. That’s why betPawa felt like family. They’re creating opportunities, celebrating winners, and pushing boundaries in their own space. Together, we’ll keep inspiring Nigerians,” he said.

The company believes Tekno’s influence goes beyond entertainment. His wide appeal mirrors the unifying power of football, which is why betPawa sees him as the right figure to front campaigns that blend music, lifestyle, and sport.

Beyond gaming

For betPawa, Tekno’s unveiling is part of a broader push to define itself not just as a gaming operator but as a lifestyle brand. With its Locker Room Bonus reshaping football motivation in the NNL — giving ₦56,000 direct payments per winning player and ₦1.288m per team per victory — and Tekno’s appointment amplifying cultural reach, the brand is building strong links to communities across Nigeria.

From its 1,250% sports win bonus, the highest in Africa, to its ongoing grassroots initiatives, betPawa has carved a niche as a driver of empowerment. Adding Tekno strengthens that vision, ensuring the brand connects with music fans, football lovers, and youth eager for inspiration.

As the NNL gears up for its November kickoff and Tekno readies fresh music, the partnership is set to fuel a new wave of campaigns that celebrate ambition, creativity, and winning. For betPawa, the message is clear: Tekno is not just an ambassador, but a cultural symbol of everything the brand aspires to represent.

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