Shamrock Rovers captain Pico Lopes has been appointed a brand ambassador for Level Health. The Dublin-born defender will feature in national marketing campaigns, digital content and community initiatives for the health insurer.
Lopes will represent Level Health across public-facing campaigns and community engagement activities. The partnership focuses on preventative healthcare, family cover and the company's QuickClinic service. Level Health is a joint venture with Aviva Insurance that underwrites its own policies.
Lopes' journey mirrors Level Health's values
Ruth Bailey, Chief Commercial Officer at Level Health, said the defender's personal story aligns with the company's outlook. "Pico’s story resonates with us," Bailey said. "He’s taken his own path, continually pushed himself to improve, and stayed grounded in his family and community."
The partnership emphasizes persistence, self-improvement and progress at different life stages. It aims to make healthcare more accessible and encourage preventative health thinking. Lopes said his unconventional career path reflects these values. "My career probably hasn’t followed the route people expect," Lopes said. "I’ve had to be patient, keep working and take opportunities when they’ve come."
Lopes balanced football with a career outside the sport before establishing himself at Shamrock Rovers. He progressed from football in Dublin to captaining the club and representing Cape Verde at the 2023 FIFA World Cup. He stated that representing his nation on that stage showed it is never too late to aim for something better.
Lopes' football achievements and international career
As captain of Shamrock Rovers and a Cape Verde international, Lopes brings significant football credibility to the role. His appointment provides Level Health with a recognizable sporting figure with strong Dublin and international connections.
The news comes as Shamrock Rovers sit first in the Premier Division with 65 points from 34 games. They hold a three-point lead over Bohemians at the top of the standings. The club's next fixture is at home against Sligo Rovers on Friday, 23 October. Sligo currently sit tenth in the table. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 2-1 away win for Rovers back in July.
Lopes will take on his new ambassador duties while continuing to lead the team on the pitch. The club's recent form shows three wins from their last five matches, though they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Galway United last Friday. Their next home game offers an immediate chance to respond. The fixture list shows a busy period ahead, with details of all upcoming matches available on the club's fixtures page.
Barbara Duffy is the head of marketing and customer experience at Level Health. The campaign will highlight perseverance and the importance of seizing opportunities, themes Lopes has embodied throughout his career. His first public appearances in the role are expected to coincide with the club's upcoming schedule.
Read the full report at sportforbusiness.com
