10 Times Football Did Ads Right

One of the things I love most about football is how brands come up to create amazing new ads, including all the stars you could think of becoming part of one team and fighting for glory; the biggest dream of every football fan. This is a list of 10 times football did ads right to gain attention from their audience.

1. Nike – Ronaldinho Hits the Post

Always known for their witty and unique approach to marketing, Nike took it to the next level a long time before they introduced a campaign with the same name (mentioned below in the list). Nike made an ad featuring the legend Ronaldinho. Although it isn’t as well-shaped as the ads usually are, it is the one of the first videos on YouTube to reach 1 Million views (if not the first).

2. Pepsi – Real Madrid vs Manchester United

Watch as the stars of Manchester United FC and Real Madrid CF come together in a Western themed face-off to battle for Pepsi. The ad places two rivals against each other. And even if the setting doesn’t seem conventional Beckham and Iker Casillas are definitely worth a watch.

3. Nike – Brazil NT Airport

An ad made to promote Brazil’s World Cup campaign, it shows how the stars of the South American giants start a game of football in the middle of a crowded airport. Make sure you’re wearing headphones to listen to Mas Que Nada kicking off and adding to the ad’s brilliance.

4. Pepsi – 2010 World Cup

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t watch this advert with full attention every time it came on the TV (especially when it has Kaka in it!). Promoting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Kaka, Messi, Drogba, Arshavin, and Lampard come together to beat a determined and unmoving goalkeeper. It’s a fascinating team-up of players and definitely a good watch.

5. Nike – Take it to the Next Level

This time, Nike took a new approach and didn’t put football stars at center stage but instead a young boy unknown in the world. We see his journey as he goes from being an amateur to becoming a superstar for club and country, battling against the big names of the game.

6. Adidas – Jose + 10

Preparing to watch the 2006 World Cup, 2 young boys put a bet on which Football legend is better and as they keep naming the legends, they start appearing in their backyard to face-off each other with the 2 kids being the captains of the team. An entertaining, humorous and fun watch for every die-hard fan.

7. Nike – The Last Game

An animated version of an end of the world situation where real players get beaten by a robotic team and end up choosing different ordinary careers. Watch as an animated Ronaldo Nazario brings all the footballers together again and shows them they can win. It’s definitely another marketing brilliance by Nike.

8. Adidas – The Dream

Promoting Messi’s 2014 World Cup objective for Argentina, this ad shows us the football star as he asks different stars what they’re doing to prepare for the journey, while he does his own best to reach center stage.

10. Nike – The Switch

Catering to every young fan’s dream, Nike shows us how Ronaldo and a teenage boy’s life gets switched as the boy becomes the star and vice versa.

10. Galaxy 11 – Football vs Aliens

Another end-of-the-world depiction, this time by Samsung Galaxy 11, the greatest football Xl’s come together to play a game against aliens who have taken over the world. And speaking of the best Xl, who doesn’t want to watch Messi and Ronaldo in the same team? This might be the only way you could, so go ahead and watch it happen.

When it comes to Football ads, Nike is a class apart. But that doesn’t mean any other brand doesn’t know how to play the game (pun intended). Mentioned above are few of the most loved ads by fans (and creative workers) all around the globe. Which one’s your favorite? Tell us in the comments below.