Controversial edtech major Byju’s has appointed global football sensation Lionel “Leo” Messi as its brand ambassador for its social impact arm Education for All. The development comes amid company plans to layoff up to 2,500 employees or 5% of its 50,000-strong workforce.
“We are honoured and excited to collaborate with Lionel Messi as our global ambassador. He rose from the grassroots to become one of the most successful sports persons ever. That is the kind of opportunity that BYJU’S Education For All (EFA) wants to create for the nearly 5.5 million children it currently empowers. No one represents the power of enhancing human potential more than Lionel Messi,” BYJU’S co-founder Divya Gokulnath said.
Messi, who captains the Argentinian football team and plays for Paris Saint-Germain has signed an agreement with the Indian edtech company to promote the cause of equitable education, said Byju’s in a statement.
The company aims to enhance its visibility internationally through its collaboration with the football star. Messi has a social media following of 450 million and commands a formidable status in the sport which is followed by over 3.5 billion fans worldwide.
“I chose to partner with Byju’s because their mission to make everyone fall in love with learning perfectly aligns with my values,” said Messi.
“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,” he added.
The collaboration falls neatly into the philanthropic activities of Messi, who runs a charitable organisation Leo Messi Foundation, which is aimed at giving children equal opportunities to realise their dreams.
