Coca-Cola becomes new partner of Croatian FA and Vatreni

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

Coca-Cola in Croatia has signed a major sponsorship agreement with the Hrvatski nogometni savez (HNS), becoming an official partner of the Croatian national football team, famously known as the Vatreni.

The agreement was formally signed in Vodice at Coca-Cola’s annual internal conference in Croatia.

Representing the HNS, President Marijan Kustić signed the deal alongside Gjorgji Hristov, General Manager of Coca-Cola Adria, and Amela Čengić, Marketing and Commercial Excellence Director of Coca-Cola HBC Hrvatska.

The ceremony was attended by HNS Marketing Director Ante Cicvarić.

Under the new partnership, Coca-Cola becomes the official refreshment of the Croatian national teams, while Powerade is named the official sports drink of the Vatreni.

Five-Year Agreement

The five-year sponsorship marks a significant step for both parties. Coca-Cola has long been associated with major global football tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship, and now extends its football commitment further through Croatian football’s governing body.

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

Speaking at the event, HNS President Marijan Kustić described the partnership as a powerful global alliance.

“Croatia’s national team is the most recognised Croatian ‘product’ in the world, while Coca-Cola is arguably the world’s most famous brand. This is truly a strong and global partnership,” Kustić said.

He added that the agreement will enable further investment in football development at all levels in Croatia. Through Powerade, Croatian national selections will also benefit from access to a top-quality isotonic sports drink for training sessions and matches.

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

Gjorgji Hristov, General Manager of Coca-Cola Adria, highlighted the natural alignment between the two organisations.

“Coca-Cola has proudly sponsored the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship for decades, actively contributing to the promotion of football worldwide. We are extremely proud to extend that commitment to Croatian football through this five-year agreement with the Croatian Football Federation,” Hristov said.

He emphasised that the partnership reflects Coca-Cola’s long-term dedication to values that connect people and inspire strong emotions.

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

“Through our brands Coca-Cola and Powerade, we aim to support athletes at every level, as well as the system behind their success, drawing on the strength of our brands and our global experience in sports partnerships,” he added.

Powerade will play a key role in supporting players both on and off the pitch, focusing on hydration and performance, while Coca-Cola will continue to create moments of connection and celebration among fans around the world.

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

Amela Čengić, Marketing and Commercial Excellence Director at Coca-Cola HBC Croatia, underlined the symbolic importance of the Croatian national team.

“The Croatian national team does not only achieve world-class results, but also symbolises unity, perseverance and fearless character. The Vatreni inspire us match after match with their energy, determination and results,” she said.

(Photo credit: Iva Lulić)

The ceremony concluded with a symbolic gesture, as HNS President Kustić presented special Croatia kits bearing the names “Coca-Cola” and “Powerade” to the new partners.