Famous Actors Who Worked with Adidas Ads

Adidas, a brand synonymous with sport, has long understood that its influence extends far beyond the track, field, and court. To cement its place at the intersection of athletics, fashion, and culture, Adidas has strategically partnered with some of the most iconic faces in Hollywood. These collaborations transcend simple endorsements; they are creative partnerships that redefine what the three stripes represent—from rebellious spirit and artistic integrity to timeless style and global citizenship. This article explores the famous actors who have worked with Adidas, examining the unique campaigns and signature shoes that have made these alliances legendary.

The Pioneers: Establishing a Cool, Counter-Cultural EdgeBefore streetwear was a global phenomenon, Adidas was aligning with figures who embodied an offbeat, authentic cool.

Robert Redford & The Samba's AscentWhile not a traditional campaign, Robert Redford's choice to wear a classic pair of Adidas Sambas in the 1977 political thriller Three Days of the Condor was a pivotal, unscripted moment. The low-key, practical shoe on one of Hollywood's biggest stars subconsciously validated the Adidas aesthetic as one of intelligent, understated style. This was an early example of organic product placement that tied the brand to a thoughtful, leading man persona.

Run-D.M.C. and the Shell-Toe RevolutionThough musicians, Run-D.M.C.'s partnership in the mid-1980s was so revolutionary it must be mentioned as a foundational moment for all celebrity collaborations. Their defiant hit "My Adidas" and their iconic look with unlaced Superstars forced the brand to recognize and embrace hip-hop culture, laying the groundwork for future partnerships built on authentic cultural identity rather than just athletic performance.

The 2000s & The Lifestyle Push: Embracing Hollywood IconsAs the "athleisure" trend grew, Adidas sought A-list talent to bridge sport and red-carpet glamour.

David Beckham: The Global AmbassadorThough a footballer first, David Beckham became a full-fledged global icon, and his long-term partnership with Adidas, beginning in the early 2000s, leveraged his status as a style and family man. His own line, Adidas by David Beckham, included performance and lifestyle wear, presenting him as the versatile face of modern masculinity—an athlete, a fashion figure, and a father.

Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi & The Football PantheonAgain, athletes, but of such cinematic stature they operate as cultural actors. Adidas's legendary campaigns, like "The Kiss" (Zidane, 2006) and the ongoing legacy of Lionel Messi, are epic narratives of passion, pressure, and glory. Their commercials are short films, cementing Adidas's claim to football's most storied legends.

Katrina Kaif: Bollywood and Global AppealAs Adidas pushed further into key international markets, Bollywood superstar Katrina Kaif became a face of the brand in India and beyond. Campaigns highlighted her dedication to fitness and modern style, connecting the three stripes to glamour and discipline for a massive audience.

The Modern Era: Creative Collaborations and Conscious PartnershipsToday, Adidas partnerships are multifaceted, often involving co-creation, social messaging, and alignment with progressive values.

Jonah Hill & The Inclusive Fashion StatementIn a partnership that made headlines for its authenticity, Jonah Hill teamed with Adidas Originals and designer Liu Wen in 2021 to launch a gender-neutral collection of Forum 84 Hi sneakers and apparel. Hill, known for his personal, quirky style, directed the campaign himself. This collaboration highlighted individuality, self-expression, and challenged traditional fashion norms, marking a shift towards partnerships with creative minds who shape culture beyond just film.

Jeremy Allen White & The Return of NormcoreThe star of The Bear emerged as an unexpected but perfect style icon for Adidas's classic silhouettes. His appearances in Adidas Gazelle campaigns in 2023 tapped into a resurgence of 90s nostalgia and "normcore." His everyman, intense authenticity made the Gazelle feel both timeless and freshly relevant, proving the power of casting a critically adored actor whose off-screen persona aligns perfectly with the product's heritage.

Jenifer Garner & Relatable FitnessGarner's partnership, particularly for Adidas's Stronger Together campaign during the pandemic, leveraged her relatable, approachable persona. Showcasing home workouts and realistic wellness, this collaboration connected the brand to authentic, everyday athleticism and maternal strength.

Angelina Jolie & Socially Conscious Style

Though less about traditional campaigns, Angelina Jolie has frequently been photographed in classic Adidas Stan Smiths and Sambas during her humanitarian work and daily life. This consistent, off-duty choice by a globally respected figure associates the brand with understated elegance, intelligence, and purposeful action.

Notable Actor Partnerships at a Glance

ActorEra of CollaborationKey Product / LineNature of Partnership & Impact

Robert Redford	1970s (Organic)	Adidas Samba	Iconic, unintentional product placement in film cemented the Samba's intelligent, classic cool.
David Beckham	2000s-Present	Performance & Lifestyle (Own Line)	Global ambassador; transitioned athlete into a timeless style and family icon for the brand.
Katrina Kaif	2010s-Present	Workout & Lifestyle Apparel	Brought Bollywood glamour and fitness credibility to the brand in key international markets.
Jonah Hill	2020s	Adidas Originals x Liu Wen (Forum 84)	A creative, gender-neutral collaboration focused on self-expression and artistic direction.
Jeremy Allen White	2020s	Adidas Gazelle	Revitalized a classic model through association with authentic, nostalgic, and critically-acclaimed cool.
Jenifer Garner	2020s	Workout & "Stronger Together" Campaign	Embodied relatable, approachable fitness and community-focused wellness.

Expert Analysis: The Strategy Behind the Star Power

Adidas’s choice in celebrity partners reveals a sophisticated, multi-pronged strategy.

"Adidas has mastered the art of selective authenticity," notes a brand strategist in sportswear. "They don't just chase the hottest name. They identify individuals whose personal narrative or iconic status already aligns with a specific pillar of their brand architecture. Robert Redford was understated cool. Jonah Hill is creative, unconventional expression. Jeremy Allen White is gritty, nostalgic authenticity. The partnership feels like a confirmation, not a contrivance."

Unlike brands that simply put a star in an ad, Adidas often grants creative control or develops product lines, as with Beckham, Hill, or their deep musical collaborations with artists like Kanye West (Yeezy) and Pharrell Williams. This transforms the actor from a "spokesperson" into a "co-creator," deepening the authenticity and cultural resonance of the partnership.

Furthermore, Adidas leverages both massive global icons (Beckham) and culturally specific stars (Kaif) to maintain broad reach while achieving local relevance. The organic, paparazzi-driven association with figures like Angelina Jolie provides an invaluable layer of un-paid, credible endorsement.

Conclusion: Stripes as a Canvas for Character

Adidas’s work with famous actors demonstrates that the most powerful brand partnerships are not about borrowing fame, but about shared storytelling. The three stripes serve as a canvas upon which an actor's public persona—be it Redford's intelligent stoicism, Hill's creative rebellion, or White's earnest nostalgia—is projected and amplified.

From the accidental endorsement in a 70s thriller to the purpose-driven, co-created collections of today, Adidas has consistently chosen partners who help the brand narrate its own evolution: from athletic necessity to a symbol of cultural identity. In the end, these actors don't just wear Adidas; they help write the ongoing story of what the stripes mean, proving that the most enduring brand logos are those flexible enough to be defined by the characters who wear them.

YouTube Visual References for Key Campaigns:

Robert Redford in Three Days of the Condor (Samba scene):
David Beckham "Dream Big" Ad (2014):
Adidas Gazelle with Jeremy Allen White (2023):