Products that became popular after athletes got caught using them

3 Min Read

1. Virat Kohli and Mock Chicken

Virat Kohli sparked excitement among fans because of a simple Instagram story. He shared a picture of himself enjoying a dish captioned “mock chicken tikka,” which instantly grabbed the attention of his millions of followers. Kohli has been vocal about veganism since 2021, for his improved fitness and performance. Seeing his post about “mock chicken” initially confused fans, wondering if he had changed his diet. Soon after, Kohli clarified that the dish was indeed plant-based, made with mock meat that mimics the taste and texture of chicken. After this incident, Manufacturers of mock chicken products likely saw an increment in sales and they thanked Kohli for his contribution.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo and Coca-cola

Cristiano Ronaldo caused a stir at a press conference before a UEFA Euro 2020 match by removing two bottles of Coca-Cola that were placed in front of him on the podium. Ronaldo sat down at the podium, he casually pushed aside the two Coca-Cola bottles without saying a word. He then picked up a bottle of water and held it up, seemingly promoting hydration over sugary drinks. After this incident, Coca-Cola’s stock price briefly dipped.

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3. MS Dhoni and Candy Crush

In 2016, a picture of Indian cricketer MS Dhoni playing Candy Crush on his phone while on a flight went viral. This led to hype in downloads of the game, with many fans crediting Dhoni for making it look cool. Candy Crush Saga got  3.6 million new downloads in 3 hours after the video went viral like air. This creates an emotional moment for his fans and shows his innocence. The video was captured by one of the cricketers who was in that flight. 

4. Naomi Osaka and Wilson

Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis superstar, made waves in the tennis world in 2021 when she switched her longtime racquet sponsor, Yonex, to Wilson. Many fans were curious about Osaka’s reasons for the change and how it might impact her game. Osaka’s endorsement undoubtedly boosted interest in Wilson racquets, particularly among her fans and young players looking for inspiration.

5. Tiger Woods and Nike

Tiger Woods’ 1997 endorsement deal with Nike is considered one of the most iconic and impactful athlete endorsements in history. Nike’s association with Woods helped make golf more stylish, attracting a younger generation of players. He brought a cool factor to the sport, influencing fashion trends and breaking down traditional barriers. Even after facing personal challenges and injuries, Tiger Woods’ influence on golf and his partnership with Nike remain significant. He is considered one of the greatest golfers ever, and Nike continues to be a leading brand in the sport.