Adidas Unites Messi, Bad Bunny & Timothée Chalamet in Star-Studded World Cup Film
Adidas has officially kicked off its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a star-packed short film that brings together football icons, music stars, and Hollywood names in one nostalgic celebration of the game.
The new project, titled “Backyard Legends,” features a huge lineup that includes Lionel Messi, Bad Bunny, Timothée Chalamet, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, and Trinity Rodman. The film mixes football culture with a strong 1990s street-game atmosphere, focusing on the idea that greatness often begins in local neighborhoods and backyard matches.
The campaign is built around Adidas’ ongoing message, “You Got This.” Instead of focusing only on stadiums and trophies, the company chose to highlight the early moments that inspire young players to dream big. In the film, Chalamet puts together a team of football legends, including Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and Alessandro Del Piero, for a playful match against talented kids from the neighborhood.
The campaign also serves as a reminder of Adidas’ deep history with the World Cup. The company has been involved with the tournament for decades, from creating football boots in the 1950s to becoming the official supplier of match balls since 1970. Over the years, Adidas has become one of the most recognizable brands connected to international football.
Company executive Florian Alt explained that football has always been part of Adidas’ identity. He said the brand wanted this campaign to show how joy and freedom in the sport can lead to something bigger. According to him, stories of future stars often begin on local streets long before they reach the world stage.
Chalamet also shared his excitement about joining the campaign. The actor said he grew up admiring football legends and imagining himself recreating famous moments while playing as a kid. He called the experience of working alongside some of the sport’s biggest names “unbelievable.”
The timing of the campaign is important as excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to build. Adidas will once again have a major presence during the tournament, sponsoring several national teams while also producing jerseys, boots, and official match equipment.
Adidas made a smart move by focusing on the emotional side of football instead of just selling products. The campaign feels more personal and connects sports, music, and entertainment in a way younger audiences understand. It also helps that the cast is huge and brings together fans from different worlds. What do you think about the “Backyard Legends” campaign? Did Adidas nail the World Cup hype, or does it feel more like celebrity marketing than football? Share your thoughts in the comments.
