The world-renowned artist, whose iconic style has seen him work with the likes of Bentley, Coca-Cola and Disney, has a longstanding association with major sports events, having created designs for the stadium at the 2007 Super Bowl XLI and a series of limited-edition "Sports for Peace" postage stamps for the United Nations to celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

He was also an ambassador for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups in South Africa and his native Brazil respectively.

The work of pop artist Romero Britto was used during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil ©FIFA

Britto now joins seven other Brazilian entrepreneurs, television hosts, chefs, actors and singers in the role of Games ambassador.

"Romero Britto's art speaks a universal language that reaches all ages," said Marcus Vinícius Freire, executive director of the Brazilian Olympic Committee. 

"He has a loyal following of Brazilians living outside the country, especially in Latin and North America, and aside from his longstanding connection to sports, his story is much like that of other Brazilians who have tried their luck abroad and found success.

"Team Brazil is thrilled to have him as an ambassador to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games."

Romero Britto, pictured left with Brazilian football legend Pelé, has a longstanding association with major sports events, including the last two FIFA World Cups ©Romero Britto


Britto, who also serves as a benefactor for more than 250 not-for-profit organisations, will now support Rio 2016 by urging fans across the globe to back their athletes set to compete at the Games.

"The Olympics bring hundreds of thousands of people together from all over the world to compete in sports and to root for their home countries," Britto said.

"But the reason I'm so excited to be a global ambassador is because the Olympics bring us all together to remind us of the ways in which we are united.

"I know that this new role is going to inspire some exciting works and moments leading up to the games."

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