Soccer Football – Euro 2020 – Portugal Press Conference – Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary – June 14, 2021 Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo during the press conference UEFA/Handout via REUTERS
France midfielder Paul Pogba removed a Heineken bottle in front of him at a Euro 2020 news conference, a day after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo removed two Coca-Cola bottles, sparking a furor among football fans.
Pogba, a practicing Muslim, moved away the beer bottle when he sat down to speak to the media on Tuesday after he was named man of the match in France’s 1-0 Group F win over Germany.
Heineken, one of the official sponsors of Euro 2020, was not immediately available to comment.
First Ronaldo with the Coca-Cola…
Now Paul Pogba wasn't happy with the Heineken in front of him at his press conference 🍺❌ pic.twitter.com/SU1ifQPGOP
— GOAL (@goal) June 16, 2021
Ronaldo, known for his peak levels of fitness, moved the cola bottles aside as he sat down to speak to the media ahead of Tuesday’s Group F opener against Hungary.
The 36-year-old then held up a bottle of water and said “Agua” in Portuguese, making headlines.
Hay una razón por la que Cristiano Ronaldo está en una forma tan increíble. Rechazó dos botellas de refresco en una conferencia de prensa, diciéndole a la gente que beba agua 😳
El portugués es un obsesivo de la salud y el fitness, que trata su cuerpo como un templo 💪 pic.twitter.com/4MBFYdvh2T
— GOAL en español (@Goal_en_espanol) June 16, 2021
The beverage giant’s shares dipped 1.6% on Monday, wiping off about $4 billion from the company’s market capitalization, following Ronaldo’s snub.
In a response, Europe’s soccer governing body UEFA said: “Coca-Cola offers a range of drinks to suit different tastes and needs, which are available to players throughout the tournament.”
“This includes waters, isotonic sports drinks and juices, coffee and tea, as well as Coca-Cola.”