LeadDog Deportes, the newly formed Hispanic sports marketing arm of LeadDog Marketing, today announced that they have signed Mexican soccer star Rafa Marquez to a marketing representation contract. LeadDog Deportes will represent Marquez and The Rafa Marquez Foundation, which helps raise awareness for children’s education and health initiatives, on a variety of brand marketing initiatives throughout North America. He is the first client for the newly launched division.
“My respect for Rafa Marquez on the soccer field has been unflinching over the past 15 years, but I am more inspired by the work he’s doing off the field with The Rafa Marquez Foundation and look forward to helping him change lives,” said Brad Rothenberg, LeadDog Deportes’ Managing Director. “It is well documented how quickly the Latin American consumer base is growing in the U.S., and Rafa is in a perfect position to take advantage of that growth.”
“I have been impressed with Brad’s work in the soccer community for a very long time and am looking forward to working with LeadDog Deportes to identify new brands that can help further our mission,” Marquez added. “The Foundation is close to my heart and an important part of giving back to my country. I can’t think of a better team to work with to help us grow.”
Considered one of the best Mexican soccer players of all time, Rafa Marquez, earned the nickname “El Kaiser,” for his excellent defensive skills on the field. Marquez was captain of the Mexican National Team for an unprecedented three World Cups and history will remember him as the first Mexican to win a UEFA championship while he played for F.C. Barcelona. He is currently playing for Club Leon of La Liga MX.
LeadDog Deportes will be seeking marketing partnerships for Marquez in the United States, as well as building a fundraising platform for the Rafa Marquez Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of Mexico’s youth through after school centers teaching health, education and nutrition. The four centers serve meals to nearly 1,000 kids every day. The Foundation was born out of the soccer legend’s desire to address the dire education and health needs for Mexican children in 2005.