Who Did it Best? Adidas and Nike Launch Similar World Cup Ads
Yesterday, Adidas released another short World Cup ad featuring multiple Lionel Messis from different eras, a concept strikingly similar to Nike's "Footballverse" ad which came out earlier this week.
Adidas and Nike Release Similar World Cup Ads
Adidas' new ad shows the real, modern day Lionel Messi joining four other versions of himself for a kickabout in an empty stadium. Titled "The Impossible Rondo", the 30 second clip visually charts the evolution of Messi from his World Cup debut in 2006 to the current day. One digitally rendered version of him from each World Cup he played at is present, reminding us of the kits worn by Argentina on the big stage since 2006, and also of some of Messi's dodgier haircuts over the years.
The Adidas video comes just two days after Nike's blockbuster four minute "Footballverse" ad, in which we see multiple versions of Ronaldo Fenomeno and Cristiano Ronaldo from past and present competing against each other and a host of other stars in a far-fetched science experiment. Check it out below on the off-chance you haven't already seen it.
Adidas also featured a brief shot of 2006 Messi in their "Family Reunion" video which came out on Monday. These campaigns are surely planned and recorded months in advance of being released to the public, so it's not as if Adidas rushed to put their ads together after seeing Nike's trailer last week.
It's probably a little bit more than coincidence that both brands used the same basic concept. Both strive to use the latest technologies in every aspect of their work and it would appear that semi-convincing digital renders are currently the most state of the art techniques in video technology. Hence their use by the two biggest names in sportswear.
And the Winner is...
In terms of who did it best however, we have to give it to Nike on this one. Although the digital likenesses created for both companies' ads are of pretty much equal quality, we've come to expect something cinematic for these occasions and Nike delivered in that regard. Adidas, on the other hand, opted to keep things a little more simple with two short clips, possibly more to come. They did also give us a look at how the video was made, which is an interesting insight into the technology used.
As the two biggest sportswear brands on the planet, they are in constant competition to outdo each other, be it in terms of boot and kit technologies, or signing the best clubs and players. When Nike launched their Magista boot with its revolutionary sock liner on back in 2014, Adidas followed up with a hasty reveal of their similar Primeknit FS, a concept that never went on general sale.
They obviously didn't want to be seen to be behind Nike in terms of product innovation, but this was a pretty transparent attempt at saying "We're actually working on that too". The ongoing Erling Haaland saga is another case of Swoosh and Stripes going toe to toe, much like they did for the signature of Paul Pogba back in his Juve days, with Adidas coming out on top in that particular duel.
Whatever Nike does, Adidas want to do better, and vice versa. In this instance of the similar World Cup ads, who do you think comes out on top? Let us know in the comments.
Special Virgil van Dijk x Patta Jersey Revealed
Amsterdam streetwear label Patta has teamed up with Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk and Nike to unveil a vibrant, one-off football jersey for the Virgil's Legacy Trophy. The international under-13 tournament, founded by the Liverpool defender in collaboration with his formative club Willem II, brings together 16 elite youth academies from across Europe to compete in Tilburg.
The shirt draws deep inspiration from Van Dijk's Surinamese heritage, taking stylistic cues from traditional pangi cloth, a brightly patterned woven textile central to Maroon and Surinamese culture. The design ingeniously weaves together the primary colors of every participating club, including Liverpool, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, Ajax, and AC Milan, translating their identities into an eye-catching, blurred check motif across the entire shirt.
The reverse lists the complete roster of competing clubs under "The class of '26," complemented by a custom Patta x Nike co-branded jock tag on the lower hem.
The bespoke jersey has been created exclusively for the young players taking part in the tournament as a commemorative keepsake rather than receiving a general retail release.
First 2 Adidas 2027 Boot Packs Leaked
Video game modder BxR Mods has recreated the first two Adidas 2027 football boot collections, providing a clear preview of what the Three Stripes have prepared for early 2027.
The 2027 Base Pack marks an important transition for Adidas, centered around predominantly black uppers accompanied by heritage-inspired accent colors across all three core silos. Most notably, the collection features the next-generation Predator 27 with its classic fold-over tongue, the returning AdiPure line set to succeed the Copa franchise, and the updated F50 Hyperfast. Alongside the traditional black-based editions, the preview also showcases the first main pack of the year, the collection to be worn by Adidas' best players.
Both of these Adidas packs launch in January 2027.
Nike Inter Milan 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - New Image
A new image of the Nike Inter Milan 26-27 third kit has surfaced, confirming the retro-inspired look that pays tribute to the club's iconic 1997-98 third shirt worn during the Ronaldo era.
Adidas Liverpool 26-27 European Training Shirt + Collection Released
Liverpool and Adidas have officially unveiled their all-new European training collection for the 26-27 season. Promoted under the tagline "Made for Europe", the range will be worn by the squad during training sessions and media obligations ahead of Champions League fixtures.
The Adidas Liverpool 26-27 European training collection is built around a crisp white base complemented by vibrant red accents. The iconic Adidas Three Stripes run down the sleeves in red, while the chest displays a monochrome red Liverpool crest enclosed in a shield, alongside matching red Adidas and AXA sponsor branding. Streamlined paneling and high-performance cuts from the latest Adidas Tiro template complete the refined aesthetic.
The range includes authentic short-sleeve training tops, long-sleeve drill tops featuring integrated snood neck collars, and insulated sleeveless puffer vests. The complete Adidas Liverpool 26-27 European training collection is available now through the club's official online store and retail outlets.
Hong Kong 2026 Home Kit Released
Nike and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China have quietly revealed the new Hong Kong 2026 home shirt.
The Nike Hong Kong 2026 home jersey combines two shades of red in a subtle half-and-half design, with a centrally aligned chest layout. The circular HKFA crest is positioned right in the center of the chest, accompanied by a white Nike Swoosh directly beneath it.
First Time in 12 Years: Juventus Bring Back Long-Sleeved Kits on Pitch
Making his Juventus debut in the match against AC Milan, Nick Woltemade was the only Juventus player on the pitch wearing long sleeves. Excluding special-edition kits, the German strike became the first Bianconeri player made this choice since Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio back in the 13-14 season.
Remarkably, even Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-sleeve icon, never wore one during his time in Turin.