BYJU's named Lionel Messi as its global brand ambassador

Lionel "Leo" Messi, a football player and global sports celebrity, has been named by BYJU'S as the first global brand ambassador of its Education For All social impact arm. Messi, the Argentinian football team's captain and a player for Paris Saint-Germain, has partnered with BYJU'S to promote the cause of the 'Education For All’ initiative.

This agreement with one of the most well-known athletes in the world is in line with BYJU'S expanding global reach and commitment to ensuring that all people have access to affordable and equitable education. BYJU'S was named the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2022TM in Qatar earlier this year. Throughout 3.5 billion people around the world are fans of football, and Lionel Messi has close to 450 million followers on social media. The long-term partnership will see Lionel Messi feature in campaigns for BYJU'S Education. 

Lionel Messi is seen by BYJU'S as "The Greatest Learner of All Time" because of his relentless pursuit of knowledge and how it has changed the landscape of the sport. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, widely regarded as the best passer, dribbler, and free-kick taker in the world, attributes his success to his dedication to learning something new every day. BYJU'S thinks Messi's unwavering work ethic, in-depth knowledge of the game, and passion for learning will make him a perfect mentor for hundreds of millions of young people all over the world.

Divya Gokulnath, the co-founder of BYJU'S, commented on this announcement, which said, "He (Messi) rose from the grassroots to become one of the most successful sportspersons ever. For the approximately 5.5 million children it presently empowers, Byju's Education For All hopes to create opportunities like that. Lionel Messi is the best example of the ability to maximise one's potential. The fact that the greatest player of all time is also the greatest learner of all time is not very surprising. I have no doubt that our collaboration will encourage millions of individuals to learn more and have bigger ambitions.”

Similarly, Lionel Messi expressed his belief that his collaboration with BYJU'S Education For All will motivate students all across the world. "I decided to sign up with BYJU'S because their mission to encourage a passion for learning in everyone completely matches with my ideals," he stated. A good education changes people's lives, and BYJU'S has helped millions of students all around the world shift their professional paths. I hope to inspire students to reach and remain at the top.”  The Leo Messi Foundation, which Messi also oversees, was founded in 2007 with the belief that all children should have equal access to opportunities to pursue their dreams.

With over 150 million students, Byju's has a $22 billion market value. A total of $5.8 billion has been invested in the company by investors including BlackRock, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Sequoia, General Atlantic, Tiger Global, and QIA. 

The company must let go of 2500 employees, according to Byju Raveendran, chief executive officer and founder of Byju's, in order to prevent role duplication across the company's businesses. The company aims to turn a profit by March of the following year. Sources claim that Byju's is undertaking an "optimisation plan" that will result in the layoff of almost 2,500 workers, or 5% of its 50,000 workforces.