This Thursday, Adidas unveiled one of the most groundbreaking commercials in soccer history: a five-minute short film titled "Backyard Legends | The Greatest Football Story Ever Told." This ambitious project brings together Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Bad Bunny, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, and actor Timothée Chalamet in a narrative celebrating the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Featured on the German brand’s official YouTube channel with hashtags #YouGotThis and #WorldCup26, the ad merges 90s urban aesthetics, AI-generated visual effects, and a cinematic script, opting for a short film format rather than a typical 30-second commercial.
The storyline centers around a fictional trio of street players—Clive, Ruthie, and Isaak—who have remained undefeated since 1996 on a concrete court nestled between buildings. The opening line humorously sets the tone: "Based on a true story. Probably."
Chalamet plays the enthusiastic recruiter gathering stars to challenge the trio under street rules: "win or go home, no referee." Early in the ad, a standout moment features Chalamet correcting Bad Bunny with a line that's been circulating online: "What do I know about soccer? Nothing. I know about football, Benito, football."
The commercial includes a CGI flashback where digitally de-aged Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Alessandro Del Piero attempt to defeat the street trio in 2002 but fail. The moment one local player outmaneuvers Zidane is described as the scene that "killed" the narrator.
Messi and Bad Bunny appear towards the end, overseeing the team recruited by Chalamet, with Messi embodying the pinnacle of global soccer leadership. Additional cameos include Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, Pedri, Florian Wirtz, and Santiago Giménez.
The inclusion of Trinity Rodman—a forward for the Washington Spirit and an Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's team in Paris 2024—highlights gender dimensions and resonates with the host market for the tournament.
This isn't the first collaboration between Messi and Bad Bunny in an Adidas campaign. In October 2024, they co-starred in a footwear collection blending the F50 boot with the Adidas Gazelle, but "Backyard Legends" marks their debut in a campaign linked to a sporting event of this scale.
Adidas is set to supply the official ball for the 2026 World Cup and will provide kits for 14 of the 48 participating teams, including Argentina, Spain, Mexico, and Germany. The tournament is scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Florian Alt, Vice President of Global Brand Communications at Adidas, elaborated on the project's philosophy: "Everyone remembers that feeling: playing for pure joy, without pressure or expectations. With Backyard Legends, we celebrate that freedom. It’s a reminder that self-confidence and spontaneity are the true winning mindset."
Insights into Adidas' World Cup 2026 Campaign
Who are the main stars featured in Adidas' 2026 World Cup ad?
The ad features Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Bad Bunny, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, and Timothée Chalamet.
What is the theme of the "Backyard Legends" ad?
The ad celebrates the essence of playing soccer for pure joy and spontaneity, featuring a story about an undefeated trio of street players.
How does the ad incorporate past soccer legends?
The ad includes a CGI flashback with digitally de-aged soccer legends Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Alessandro Del Piero attempting to defeat the street trio.