Dubai, UAE, July 23, 2025: In a move set to redefine the landscape of international football marketing, Druid Sport has been named the exclusive commercial representative of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in China. This milestone partnership arrives at a pivotal moment, unlocking new commercial pathways for one of the world’s most revered football institutions.
Under the agreement, Druid Sport will manage and sell regional sponsorship packages for AFA in the Chinese market, with efforts intensifying as the countdown begins toward the FIFA World Cup 2026. The deal enables Chinese brands and fans to engage more directly with Argentina’s celebrated football legacy and its roster of iconic talent.
Diarmuid Crowley, CEO of Druid Sport, stated:
“We’re incredibly proud to represent the AFA in one of the most commercially exciting and engaged football markets in the world. This partnership goes beyond sponsorship—it’s about building genuine commercial connections between Argentina’s football legacy and China’s rapidly evolving sports market, home to one of the largest and most affluent fan bases in the world.”
Argentina’s popularity in China — propelled by its World Cup triumphs and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi — makes this partnership a golden commercial opportunity. It also reflects Druid Sport’s growing influence as a boutique agency with a distinct edge in cultivating cross-market partnerships.
Druid’s dedicated China team has already mapped out strategic activations to meet tight timelines ahead of the 2026 World Cup, ensuring brands can align with Argentina’s journey in real-time.
Claudio Tapia, AFA President, praised the collaboration:
“This new alliance with an international agency like Druid Sport, a leader in the Asian sports industry, will pave the way for new sponsors in China to join the World Champions on the journey to the next FIFA World Cup… This step will undoubtedly represent a new leap in quality in AFA’s global expansion.”
Leandro Petersen, AFA Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, emphasized the depth of opportunity:
“We deeply believe in working together, promoting our brand, and expanding our commercial opportunities with Chinese companies in the near future… With Druid Sport as our exclusive commercial agent in China, the FIFA World Cup 2026 opportunities are huge.”
The partnership strengthens AFA’s strategic efforts across Asia, adding momentum to its presence in Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and the Middle East, and supports its ambitions to further scale its 65+ international sponsor portfolio.
As football continues its evolution as a global cultural bridge, this Argentina–China partnership embodies how sport can spark meaningful economic, cultural, and fan-driven impact.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities:
📧 info@druidsports.com
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