Adidas Unveils Epic 'Backyard Legends' World Cup Ad Featuring Timothée Chalamet and Star Players

Adidas has just dropped what many are calling its best World Cup advertisement in two decades. The new commercial, titled "Backyard Legends," premiered on May 7 via star Timothée Chalamet’s Instagram account. The five-minute epic follows Chalamet as he attempts to assemble the greatest street soccer team ever, recruiting a lineup of global superstars.

The ad opens with Chalamet gathering a dream squad, including Team USA star Trinity Rodman, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (Team England), and FC Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Their mission? To challenge an undefeated street soccer crew that has held an unbroken streak since 1996.

The narrative dives into the mysterious past of the legendary street players, who famously upset ’90s icons such as David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane. The ad also features appearances from Bad Bunny and Lionel Messi, adding to the star-studded lineup.

How Adidas’ New Ad Stands Out

While the premise—recruiting famous players for an unexpected game—isn’t new, Adidas’ execution elevates it with fresh storytelling. The commercial manages to reinvent a familiar formula, delivering a high-energy, nostalgic, and visually stunning tribute to the world’s most popular sport.

"Backyard Legends" was created by Lola USA, a newly formed Omnicom agency formed in April 2024 by merging 180 and Adam EveDDB New York. The agency’s creative direction helped transform a classic concept into something that feels both timeless and cutting-edge.

Historical Context: Adidas’ World Cup Ads Over the Years

Adidas has a long history of producing iconic World Cup commercials. Here’s a look at some of its most memorable campaigns:

• 2006: "José" – Two kids assemble an all-star team on a familiar street pitch, using VFX to bring back legends like Franz Beckenbauer and Michel Platini.
• 2010: "Cantina" – A wildly original mashup of soccer stars and Star Wars’ Mos Eisley cantina, featuring Daft Punk, Snoop Dogg, Jay Baruchel, and the Gallagher brothers of Oasis.
• 2014: "The Dream" – Directed by Fernando Meirelles (*City of God*), this ad starred Lionel Messi alongside Adidas-sponsored stars like Dani Alves, Luis Suárez, Robin van Persie, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Xavi Hernández.

While some past ads have been hits and others misses, "Backyard Legends" appears to be a standout, blending nostalgia, star power, and high-energy action in a way that feels fresh for 2024.