The last decade has been transformative for Adidas, fueled by blockbuster collaborations and purpose-driven marketing. Here are the most iconic Adidas ads from the last ten years.
1. The Super Bowl Blockbuster: "Break Free" (2015)
Stars: David Beckham, Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Kevin Garnett, and others.
Concept: A young David Beckham look-alike "breaks free" to join the real Beckham, symbolizing breaking from expectations.
Why It's Iconic: A high-budget announcement that Adidas was back. Blended sports legacy, music, and a meta-narrative.
Watch:
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2. The Collaboration Hype: Yeezy & NMD Launches (2015-2017)
Concept: The product launches were the advertising. Mastered "drop" culture through scarcity and influencer seeding.
Yeezy Season 1 Show (2015): The dystopian presentation created its own media frenzy.
Watch (Yeezy Season 1 Recap):
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NMD Global Launch: No traditional ad; hype was built through coordinated tastemaker sightings.
3. The Purpose-Driven Anthem: "Original is Never Finished" (2017)
Stars: Snoop Dogg, Stormzy, Dev Hynes, brand founder Adolf "Adi" Dassler.
Soundtrack: Haunting cover of Frank Sinatra's "My Way."
Concept: A surreal film presenting Adidas Originals as the canvas for unfiltered self-expression.
Why It's Iconic: A brand manifesto selling an ideology of originality. Won a Cannes Lions Grand Prix.
Watch:
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4. The Inclusive Revolution: "The Call" / "Creativity is the Answer" (2018)
For: Adidas by Stella McCartney.
Stars: Cara Delevingne and diverse female athletes.
Concept: A powerful, monochromatic visual celebrating female athleticism and body diversity.
Why It's Iconic: Unapologetic celebration of women in sport, positioning Adidas as a progressive leader.
Watch:
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5. The High-Octane Football Saga: "Tango Squad" (2018)
Stars: Leo Messi, Paul Pogba, Mohamed Salah.
Concept: A glossy, action-movie series pitting Adidas football stars against a mysterious "Tango Squad."
Why It's Iconic: Revolutionized football ads by creating a narrative universe around athletes.
Watch (First Episode):
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6. The Unifying Stance: "Impossible is Nothing" Returns (2022)
Stars: Lionel Messi, Naomi Osaka, Jenna Ortega, David Beckham, and many more.
Concept: The classic slogan returns, focused on inclusivity and personal conviction, featuring athletes overcoming doubts.
Why It's Iconic: Modernized a beloved equity for a values-driven era. Massive talent roster showcased brand power.
Watch (Launch Film):
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7. The Pandemic-Era Empathy: "You Got This" (2020)
Stars: Zion Williamson and real people.
Concept: A raw, user-generated-feeling campaign of people working out at home during the pandemic.
Why It's Iconic: Traded polish for authentic empathy and solidarity during a global crisis.
Watch:
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8. The Modern Lifestyle Push: "Change is a Team Sport" (2024)
Stars: Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Linda Caicedo.
Concept: Focuses on football as a force for cultural change and community.
Why It's Iconic: Continues the values-driven narrative, linking sport directly to social progress.
Watch:
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Table: Adidas's Advertising Evolution (2014-2024)
| 2015 | "Break Free" (Super Bowl) | Reinvention, Star Power | Announced major comeback. |
| 2015-17 | Yeezy & NMD Drops | Scarcity, Hype, Fashion Credibility | Defined "drop" culture. |
| 2017 | "Original is Never Finished" | Creativity as Rebellion | Cemented Originals as a cultural leader. |
| 2018 | "Tango Squad" | Narrative Football Universe | Revolutionized sports athlete marketing. |
| 2018 | "The Call" (Stella McCartney) | Female Empowerment & Inclusivity | Led conversation in women's sport. |
| 2022 | "Impossible is Nothing" Relaunch | Inclusive Community & Conviction | Modernized classic equity for a values-driven era. |
YouTube Playlist of Iconic Adidas Ads:
Adidas "Break Free" Super Bowl 2015:
Yeezy Season 1 Show Recap (2015):
Adidas "Original is Never Finished" (2017):
Adidas by Stella McCartney "The Call" (2018):
Adidas Football "Tango Squad: Episode 1" (2018):
Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" 2022 Launch:
Adidas "You Got This" (2020):
Adidas Football "Change is a Team Sport" (2024):
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