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Football and yerba mate have always been deeply connected - especially in South America. Players drink mate to relax, focus and bond with teammates. Now, this tradition is becoming part of official football business too. On March 20, 2026, in Buenos Aires, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a new deal with Baldo. Baldo is now the official yerba mate of the Argentina national football team. This is important because players were already drinking mate every day - now, that habit has become an official partnership. |
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Many top players, like Lionel Messi, are known for always having mate with them. It’s part of their routine before matches and during travel. So this deal isn’t random - it reflects what players already love and use.
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Baldo comes from southern Brazil, but it has become very popular in Argentina. That’s interesting because mate is a big part of Argentine culture. Now, a Brazilian product is becoming a favorite - even for professional players. Baldo is known for a special grind (PU-1), which lasts longer and has a smooth taste. Players like it because it works well during long training sessions and matches. |
Sport plays a huge role in shaping habits and culture and football is one of the strongest examples. In top-level competitions, marginal gains matter - hydration, mental focus, and team chemistry can influence performance just as much as tactics. Yerba mate fits naturally into this environment. It provides a steady source of caffeine, antioxidants and nutrients that help players stay alert without the sharp crash of energy drinks. Just as importantly, the ritual of sharing mate strengthens social bonds within a squad, which can translate into better communication and trust on the pitch.
Footballers influence a lot of things - clothes, music and now even how people drink mate. When players choose something, fans often follow. Because many Argentine players compete in leagues like the Premier League or La Liga, they’ve helped spread mate culture far beyond South America, introducing it to Europe and other parts of the world.
This partnership shows that mate is not just a tradition, it’s also part of modern sport. It supports energy, focus and team connection, all of which are essential at the highest level. In major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, even small habits can make a difference between winning and losing.
Mate started as a simple shared drink. Now it’s part of global football culture - and even official sponsorships. The AFA and Baldo deal shows how tradition, sport and business can all come together in one cup.
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