Oribe Peralta Trades Football Boots for an Apron to Help a Fan

The surprise substitution was orchestrated by Rexona, the tournament's official sponsor for substitution boards. For the 25-year-old chef, the gesture meant swapping a hectic shift at Las Tlayudas for a seat at the Mexico City Stadium. Peralta, a former national team striker, spent the day managing the demands of the kitchen, later admitting that while he understood the pressure of representing Mexico on the field, the work of those keeping the city running during the tournament was an entirely different challenge.

Data from the brand suggests that Duran’s predicament is far from unique. Surveys indicate that 60% of Mexican fans anticipate missing at least one match due to work, and nearly 80% have been forced to skip major sporting events in the past due to professional obligations. With 90% of local fans viewing the home tournament as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the campaign aimed to highlight the unseen labor behind the spectacle. For Peralta, the experience was humbling, though he joked that his true talents remain firmly on the pitch.