Acer Scores Football Icon’s Endorsement In India 

Bengaluru based IT brand Acer India has tapped veteran homegrown football stalwart Sunil Chhetri as its latest celebrity brand endorser in the nation’s competitive market. 

The 39-year-old captain of The Blue Tigers (India’s national football team)—whose international club stints included MLS team Kansas City Wizards and Sporting Lisbon’s reserve team—is poised to star in different media campaigns across multi-platforms to promote Acer. 

Speaking on this association, Sunil Chhetri, said, “I am happy to be associated with Acer, a brand that’s pushing boundaries with innovation and technology. They’re all about inspiring young India, and it’s an effort that resonates with me.”

Sudhir Goel, Chief Business Officer, Acer India, added, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Sunil Chhetri, a true sports icon and humanitarian whose remarkable achievements both on and off the field have left an indelible mark. Sunil Chhetri’s commitment to empowering youth and exceptional contributions align seamlessly with Acer India’s mission of using technology to empower individuals.”

The deal is a quite a coup for the iconic Chhetri, who has amassed 93 goals in 143 appearances for the Indian national team and is the fourth highest international goal scorer, right behind the likes of Ronaldo, Daei and Messi.    

According to ASN data, Acer (1.4%,US$868k)  is a minor player for its category in the Asian sponsorship market since Q121. The last two years has not been kind to the Taiwanese brand which has seen a spate of withdrawals including the likes of the Philippines’ UAAP Basketball League, Taiwanese baseball outfit Fubon Guardians, the Malaysian leg of the Spartan Race and ESL Indonesia Champion.  It’s yet to be seen if the deal with Chhetri might spark increased investment in sponsorship spend across Asia.