BYJU'S may be in the process of laying off five percent of their workforce but it hasn't stopped them signing up football star and global sports icon Lionel Messi as a brand ambassador. The company on Friday, November 4, announced Messi as the first global brand ambassador of its social impact arm, 'Education For All'. Messi, the Paris Saint-Germain player in French Ligue 1 and captain of the Argentinian team, will promote the cause of equitable education during his association with BYJU'S.
"The association with one of the world's most popular sportspersons is in sync with the expanding global footprint of BYJU'S and its commitment to make education accessible, equitable, and affordable for all," said a statement from the education technology company.
Ironically, the EdTech giant had recently announced a big round of layoffs by shedding five percent of its 50,000-strong work force to ensure profitability. The company founder and CEO Byju Raveendran had also sought forgiveness from employees who are being axed. BYJU'S plans to shut down its office in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram after forcing employees to resign had to be withdrawn after protest by employees and intervention by the Kerala government.
Earlier this year, BYJU'S made history by becoming the official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Football has roughly 3.5 billion fans worldwide, and Messi has a social media following of nearly 450 million.
The long-term engagement, which begins as Messi embarks on his final campaign to win the World Cup as captain of Argentina, will see him feature in campaigns promoting BYJU'S 'Education For All'.
"BYJU'S sees Lionel Messi as 'The Greatest Learner of All Time' whose passion for continuous learning has redefined the meaning of what is possible in football. Widely acknowledged as the world's best passer, the best dribbler, and the best free-kick taker, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner attributes his success to his commitment to learn more every day. BYJU'S believes Messi will be an ideal mentor for hundreds of millions of young people around the world through his unwavering work ethic, study of the game, and love for learning," said the statement.
Divya Gokulnath, co-founder of BYJU'S, said, "We are honoured and excited to collaborate with Lionel Messi as our global ambassador. He is a once-in-a-generation talent whose pursuit of excellence, all-in mentality, humility, and reliability resonate deeply with BYJU'S brand values. He rose from the grassroots to become one of the most successful sportspersons ever.”
Lionel Messi too expressed confidence that his partnership with BYJU'S Education For All will inspire young learners across the world. "I chose to partner with BYJU'S because their mission to make everyone fall in love with learning perfectly aligns with my values. High-quality education changes lives, and BYJU'S has transformed the career paths of millions of students worldwide. I hope to inspire young learners to reach and remain at the top," said Messi.
Messi also runs his own charitable organisation, the Leo Messi Foundation, which was born in 2007 with the idea that children should all have the same opportunities to realise their dreams.
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