Eric Cantona shocked fans by storming off the set during a Showmax interview, only to reveal it was part of a powerful stunt promoting Premier League accessibility for everyone, everywhere.
Global (19 August 2024) – South Africans are passionate about the Premier League. It’s more than just a game; it’s a source of excitement, a conversation starter, and a shared experience that brings communities together.
With Showmax bringing the Premier League into our homes, it’s become even more accessible for fans across the nation.
To celebrate this, the South African streaming platform recently kicked off the new Premier League season with a stunt that has arguably become one of South Africa’s most viral moments. Showmax, already a favourite for many football fans, pulled off an unforgettable surprise featuring the legendary Eric Cantona – a name that resonates deeply within the football community. The former Manchester United captain, known for his fiery personality and unmatched skill, commands attention both on and off the pitch. So when Cantona appeared on Showmax’s Matchday Live show, fans were glued to their screens, eager to hear what he had to say.
What unfolded next left fans stunned.
The interview started off as expected, with hosts Julia Stuart and Owen Hargreaves engaging Cantona in conversation. But things quickly took a turn when Cantona, visibly upset, began responding to questions in a manner that was anything but typical. His answers were vague, his mood tense, and viewers could sense something was off. The discomfort was palpable, and fans could only watch as Cantona’s frustration grew.
Then, in a moment that had everyone on edge, Cantona abruptly stood up, looked directly into the camera, and declared, “We call this a beautiful game, but how many people in the world don’t even own a television set? To be truly beautiful, the game should be everywhere.”
As the tension peaked, Julia could be heard asking, “What do I do now?” before the camera shifted, revealing that the whole thing was a setup.
Cantona, no longer upset, explained that they weren’t really in the studio and the real show would begin shortly.
But before he wrapped up, he left viewers with a powerful message: “The Premier League is for everyone, everywhere, and it’s time for a revolution!”
Showmax echoed this sentiment, positioning themselves as the driving force behind making the Premier League accessible to all.
You can watch the viral stunt below:
The stunt was a massive success. Fans across Africa took to social media in droves, expressing their shock, surprise, and eventual delight at the big reveal. The hashtags #EricCantona, #ShowmaxPL, and #ForEveryoneEverywhere trended for hours, not just in South Africa but also in Kenya and beyond. The campaign generated a 72% increase in PR coverage and was valued at over R35 million, with more than 27,000 mentions on social media.
Chief Marketing Officer Yatish Narsi captured the essence of the stunt perfectly: “The reason for the stunt is Showmax’s value proposition. To echo Cantona’s sentiments, the revolution is here! The revolution is about having the Premier League on your phone and at an affordable price.”
With Showmax’s Premier League mobile subscription, fans can now enjoy the action wherever they are for just R69 per month (or even less for Capitec Bank customers).
“It’s the Premier League in your pocket. Welcome to the revolution!” Narsi concluded.
In the end, what started as a seemingly uncomfortable moment has turned into a celebration of accessibility and innovation. The revolution isn’t just coming—it’s here, and it’s changing the game for fans across the continent. The Premier League is now in your pocket, and the beautiful game has never been more within reach.
Also, Eric Cantona is scary when he is angry (even if he is just pretending). Please don’t make Eric angry again; join the revolution.
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