Friday Fun- Footballers in adverts from a golden age.

We all know that Brand's a eager to exploit the recognition of a famous footballer to further their brand. But what where campaigns like before the invention of the internet? I decided to trawl through Youtube to find the best adverts.

Pele was a major force in America in during the 70's with his stint with the New York Cosmos. The Black Pearl was leading a football revolution in America, along with the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff & Bobby Moore who called the USA their home during the 70's. Here Pele is being roped in to promote a fancy new Atari computer games system. Pele promoted the product with racing driver Mario Andretti and a mystery Basketball player. In the video you can see Pele hanging out at the top secret Atari Test Facility playing on his favorite computer game console

Roberto Baggio star's in our just-before Internet advert promoting Whiskey brand Johnny Walker. The advert references Baggio's famous penalty miss at the World Cup in 1994. With Mandarin sub titles a voice over explains of Baggio's mistake at the penalty spot, and how he stepped up and scored a penalty four years later, which by the advert has absolved him of blame from his previous penalty miss. Crucially Baggio believed in himself and that trait of pride and self belief can be transfered to the classy whisky Brand Johnny Walker who's logo flashes up at the end of the advert.

A classic British advert which includes two sporting greats. Kevin Keegan & the late great Henry Cooper team up together to promote Brut 33.  The advert consists of the two sports men having a work out mucking about with weights, playing with a rowing machine,  and having a nice shower at the end. Aside from the homo-erotic vibe laid down from lots of shot's of topless men. Brut are cashing in on the reputation on Keegan, who in the 70's was plying his trade for Liverpool. Brut used boxer Cooper as a brand ambassador and also included adverts with world motor bike champion Barry Sheene as part of their wider advertising campaign.