John Kim UPDATE: adidas has launched the full short film on Instagram. Watch below.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the world’s biggest sportswear brands have begun rolling out increasingly ambitious campaigns centered around football’s biggest stage. But adidas may have just raised the bar entirely with a cinematic new advertisement that plays less like a traditional commercial and more like the trailer for a summer blockbuster.
The star-studded spot brings together multiple generations of football icons, including Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Alessandro Del Piero, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé, blending legends of the past with the current faces of the sport. However, the closing moments may carry the campaign’s strongest message, shifting focus toward three unknown young players — a subtle but powerful nod toward the next generation adidas hopes to help shape heading into football’s future.
The campaign extends beyond sport as well. Global music superstar Bad Bunny appears throughout the video, while Timothée Chalamet takes on a prominent acting role that seemingly confirms his arrival as an official adidas ambassador. Chalamet was recently spotted courtside at a New York Knicks versus Philadelphia 76ers playoff game wearing the iconic adidas Samba, further fueling speculation around his relationship with the brand.
Given the campaign’s theatrical presentation, adidas may only be getting started. The trailer-like structure strongly suggests a larger, extended film this May titled A Legend Is Born, so stay tuned for updates.
