adidas has released a star-studded 5 minute film to promote its sponsorship of the World Cup.
Backyard Legends is led by Oscar-nominated Timothée Chalamet as he recruits his ultimate street football team.
Among the star names appearing are Lionel Messi, Bad Bunny, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Alessandro Del Piero.
“I used to dream of playing with these guys – you know, I was playing at Pier 40 as a kid, thinking about Beckham’s free kicks, Del Piero’s goals, and Zidane’s volleys – doing my own versions,” said Chalamet.
“I love this game, so it’s unbelievable to be doing this with adidas, captured with the best to ever do it. I’m a traditionalist, I don’t know soccer, I know football, and I can’t wait for this summer’s World Cup.”
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The ad is set against a nostalgic soundtrack, 90s street and terrace style, blending CGI and visual effects as it recreates players back in their heyday.
“Everyone remembers that feeling: playing for the joy of it, no pressure, no expectations. With Backyard Legends, we celebrate that freedom. It’s a reminder that self-belief and playfulness are the real winning mindset,” added Florian Alt, Vice President Global Brand Communications at adidas.
“As our athletes and federations take to the biggest sporting stage this summer, we know that pressure is part of sport, we hear that directly from them. While we encourage competitiveness, our ambition is to inspire everyone, to disarm that pressure through playing free and believing, ‘You Got This’. This is important for professional and grassroots players alike; in every sport, in every part of the world. The game isn’t defined by the stage, the crowd, or the cameras. It’s defined by those who play free, where everyone can create a legend.”
adidas is the Official Match Ball provider and kit supplier to 14 federations competing at the tournament.
The German sportswear giant employs almost 500 people at its Manchester offices.
