ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Adidas Backyard Legends Campaign Blends Football Stars and Nostalgia for 2026 World Cup

other · 2026-05-07

Adidas has launched a five-minute film named "Backyard Legends" as part of its promotion for the FIFA World Cup. The cinematic piece features a star-studded cast, including Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi, and David Beckham. It centers around local soccer games, narrated by Chalamet, who tells the tale of forming a squad to compete against an undefeated trio. With a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the '90s and an engaging soundtrack, the film also includes brief cameos from stars like Ousmane Dembélé and Jude Bellingham. Adidas promotes its "You Got This" slogan while being the official match ball provider for 14 soccer federations.

Key facts

  • Adidas released a five-minute short film titled 'Backyard Legends' for its FIFA World Cup campaign.
  • The cast includes Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, Bad Bunny, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Alessandro Del Piero.
  • The film is available on Adidas's YouTube channel.
  • Chalamet serves as the narrative thread, guiding viewers through a challenge to beat a local undefeated trio named Clive, Ruthie, and Isaak.
  • The aesthetic is deliberately nostalgic with 1990s soundtrack, streetwear, analog technology, and period hairstyles.
  • Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, Pedri, Florian Wirtz, and Santiago Gimenez make brief appearances.
  • The campaign's core message is 'You Got This', encouraging free play without pressure.
  • Adidas is the official match ball supplier and technical partner for 14 federations in the World Cup.

Entities

Artists

  • Timothée Chalamet
  • Lionel Messi
  • Lamine Yamal
  • Jude Bellingham
  • Trinity Rodman
  • Bad Bunny
  • Zinedine Zidane
  • David Beckham
  • Alessandro Del Piero
  • Ousmane Dembélé
  • Raphinha
  • Pedri
  • Florian Wirtz
  • Santiago Gimenez

Institutions

  • Adidas
  • FIFA
  • YouTube

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources