Gatorade has revealed that the real “secret power” for footballers is a nod of the head, in star-studded new campaign film.
The drinks brand has collaborated with Manchester City players Rodri, İlkay Gündoğan and Rúben Dias for a new spot titled ‘The Nod’.
The campaign comes after the brand sponsored the Ballon d’Or award ceremony, which Rodri won.
Gatorade global sports and entertainment partnerships VP, Adam Warner said: “UEFA and EA Sports FC 2025 are two of the most prominent brands in football, and we’re thrilled to be present on the sidelines, showcasing the impact of hydration in helping players achieve peak mental and physical performance.
“Our iconic squeeze bottles will be visible on the sidelines also—both in real life and in the virtual world. At Gatorade, we understand what fuels players on the pitch, and through our collaboration with Manchester City, we uncovered this underestimated tactic. We hope this insight will inspire both gaming and footballing communities to level up their game by embracing the power of the nod.”
The campaign was launched to celebrate Gatorade’s partnerships with EA Sports FC 25 and the UEFA Champions League.
As part of the work, Gatorade’s video will be displayed on LED pitch-side screens.
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Manchester City sport psychologist, David Young, added: “Non-verbal cues are often overlooked, but they can give us an insight into the current emotional state of individuals, as well as potentially enhancing cohesion and performance.
“Research shows that behaviours on the pitch like nodding, scanning, and other physical movements can influence individual and team performance. It helps build bonds within teams, and if applied effectively, it can help both athletes and coaches convey important messages during both training and games – especially in high-stakes environments where you don’t want to let your opponents know what you’re planning.
The campaign features the footballers discussing the importance of non-verbal communication on the pitch.
Gatorade also conducted research into Manchester City’s use of the nod, revealing a clear link between team success and the frequency of non-verbal gestures on the pitch.
He added: “At Manchester City, we look to build confidence within the team and the impactful use of NVCs is a key part of that. It helps players know they have each other’s backs, and all understand the challenge in front of them.
“We’ve all seen how intense a game can be, especially in the UEFA Champions League season, so whether it’s on the sidelines or in the heart of the action, a nod can really make all the difference.”
