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# Soccer Legend-Supported Insect Repellents
Zevo Taps Landon Donovan for Its Latest Ad

By Kalin Ned | Published 2026-07-18 | Marketing
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/landon-donovan1
References: [zevoinsect](https://zevoinsect.com/products/on-body-mosquito-and-tick-repellent-aerosol-spray/) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o89wF0837-g)

Zevo, a brand known for its insect repellent products, has launched a summer campaign featuring soccer legend Landon Donovan. This marketing venture reimagines bug spray as essential fan gear rather than merely a functional necessity.

The Zevo x Landon Donovan campaign is called 'Defensive Playbook' and it positions Zevo's repellent as a crucial part of the outdoor fan experience — whether it is at watch parties, youth matches, or backyard barbecues. All in all, the brand has chosen to emphasize a feel-good narrative that focuses on the product's odorless and non-sticky formula, which provides up to eight hours of protection.

The campaign also emphasizes its authenticity by moving Donovan's genuine perspective as both an outdoor athlete and a parent to the forefront.

Image Credit: Zevo

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 6.7/10
- Popularity: 61% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 84%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Athlete-endorsed Essentials:** Sports figures are reframing everyday protective products as lifestyle accessories, creating space for functional goods to gain emotional credibility through trusted cultural ambassadors.
- **Fan-gear Repositioning:** Outdoor consumer products are being marketed as part of the event-day toolkit, revealing potential for brands to attach utility items to rituals around sports, tailgating, and community gatherings.
- **Comfort-first Protection:** Odorless, non-sticky, and long-lasting formulas are elevating repellents from tolerated necessities to premium comfort products suited for active family and leisure settings.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Personal Care:** Insect repellent brands can blur the line between skincare, comfort, and performance, expanding category appeal through sensory-friendly product experiences.
- **Sports Marketing:** Athlete partnerships are giving household products new relevance in fan culture, opening possibilities for sponsorships that extend beyond apparel, beverages, and equipment.
- **Outdoor Recreation:** Backyard, youth sports, and watch-party occasions are increasing demand for convenient protection products that fit seamlessly into social outdoor routines.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Comprehensive Insect Control Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-bugs.md)
- [Hybrid Sun-Protecting Insect Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mosquitmed-sun-protection.md)
- [Hybrid Bug Spray Sunscreens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skin-so-soft-bug-guard.md)
- [Empowering Soccer-Themed Cultural Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/legends-begin-with-lotto.md)
- [Comprehensive Outdoor Protection Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bullfrog-2-in-1-sunscreen.md)
- [Prestigious Football Academy Sponsors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manning-passing-academy.md)
- [Insect Repellent Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-active-insect-repellent.md)
- [Plant-Powered Insect Repellants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buzzie.md)
- [Non-GMO Natural Insect Repellents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-insect-repellents.md)
