No Walkers, No Game: David Beckham and Thierry Henry's Advertising Masterclass

Walkers Crisps launched a hilarious new advert featuring football legends David Beckham and Thierry Henry titled “No Walkers, No Game”. The star-studded minute and a half long commercial sees the legendary footballers run out of snacks just as a big Champions League match is about to kick off.

The advert starts with Beckham and Henry relaxing at home, enjoying a packet of Walkers crisps while probably watching pre-match analysis on TV. However, to their horror, just as the Champions League theme song comes on, they soon realise they are down to the last few crisps in the bag. Henry springs into action saying “I got this” and gets on a mission to find more Walkers.

Not willing to miss the match, Henry takes initiative and starts knocking on strangers’ doors around London asking for any spare Walkers packets. He faces rejection a couple times by bemused residents, who are shocked and starstruck, to find the football icon at their doorstep.

Just as Henry is about to give up, Katie and her son Miles offer their packet. Overjoyed, Henry brings the starstruck pair back to his house. When Beckham opens the door, their jaws drop seeing another legend in real life. The four enjoy the match together, sharing the rescued Walkers crisps.

The packet runs out and the copy “No Walkers, No Game” is displayed on the screen.

Why did this advert work well?

1. Star power

Featuring iconic footballers like David Beckham and Thierry Henry immediately captures people’s attention. Their popularity and status as legends gives the ad instant credibility.

2. Relatable scenario

The idea of running out of snacks right before a big match is something many sports fans can relate to. It presents a common dilemma in a funny and engaging way.

3. Humor

The frantic quest of Henry knocking on strangers’ doors desperately looking for Walkers is played for laughs. His exchanges with confused residents are comedically executed.

4. Feel-good factor

Despite the rejections, Henry’s determination to find crisps for his friends is endearing. The ad leaves viewers with a warm, happy feeling by bringing everyone together in the end to watch the game.

5. Message reinforcement

By tying the brand so closely to enjoying football over snacks, it drives home Walkers as the perfect accompaniment for match viewing. The brand gets embedded in that shared experience.

6. Star interactions

Seeing the stars mingle naturally with everyday fans makes the scenario and characters more believable and realistic. It humanizes them.

7. Short, engaging format

At a minute and a half, the pace keeps things lively without overstaying its welcome. It efficiently tells a complete story that keeps audiences engaged and entertained.