Rio de Janeiro’s beaches are usually bustling with activity on sunny weekends, but one stretch of sand saw people gathering to witness the athletic feats of a 3-year-old border collie named Floki who plays a game called footvolley, which is a combination of soccer and beach volleyball. Floki has gained internet fame in Brazil with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. His owner, Gustavo Rodrigues, is a footvolley coach and was surprised by Floki’s talent for the game. Floki started by chasing balloons as a puppy and eventually made his debut in footvolley in 2023, impressing many with his skills.
Floki showed that he possessed the poise, agility, coordination, timing, and finesse required to play footvolley, a challenging sport enjoyed by former Brazilian soccer stars. His ability to position himself on the court and his understanding of the game’s rules set him apart as a natural player. Despite his young age, Floki displayed an impressive level of focus and determination when playing, often barking to receive the ball and even scoring points on his own. His passion for the game was evident whether he was playing or resting under the shade of a beach bar.
As Floki’s popularity continued to grow, he and Rodrigues traveled to different Brazilian states to showcase his skills, participate in marketing appearances, and create content for his social media channels. Partnerships and endorsement deals started pouring in, allowing Floki to become a well-known figure not only in the footvolley community but also in the influencer world. People who witnessed Floki play, such as Luiza Chioli, were amazed at his skills and dedication to the game, dispelling any doubts they may have had about his performance being staged for social media.
During a marketing blitz in Rio, Floki played alongside former footvolley champion Natalia Guitler, known as the “Queen of the Beach,” and engaged in various promotional activities such as shooting for a fashion designer and hyping a brand of dog popsicles. Despite their busy schedule, Rodrigues and Floki still find time to play competitive matches in Brasilia, where they win about one in every three games. While some opponents may be hesitant to compete against a dog, Rodrigues takes pride in the attention and playful banter they generate on the court. The duo’s journey from Brasilia to Rio and back highlights the unique blend of competitive spirit and influencer lifestyle that Floki embodies in the world of footvolley.
