adidas has dropped Backyard Legends, a new film for the FIFA World Cup 2026 that turns neighbourhood lore into a larger-than-life story, reminding athletes everywhere: You Got This.
Led by Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet, the film brings together an iconic cast including Lionel Messi, Bad Bunny, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham and Trinity Rodman.
Through Timothée’s eyes, audiences are introduced to a local crew that embodies the freedom of playing football and has ruled their pitch for decades. He sets out to assemble a team capable of taking on Clive, Ruthie and Isaak, the local crew whose “win or go home” streak has survived generations of challengers.
Their legend? So strong it has even seen off 90s icons like Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Alessandro Del Piero.
“I used to dream of playing with these guys – you know, I was playing at Pier 40 as a kid, thinking about Beckham’s free kicks, Del Piero’s goals, and Zidane’s volleys – doing my own versions,” said Timothée Chalamet.
“I love this game, so it’s unbelievable to be doing this with adidas, captured with the best to ever do it. I’m a traditionalist, I don’t know soccer, I know football, and I can’t wait for this summer’s World Cup.”
Cameos from Balon D’or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha, Pedri, Florian Wirtz and Santiago Gimenez amplify the story, each adding to the lore around the unbeatable trio.
Set against a nostalgic soundtrack, 90s street and terrace style, analogue tech and era-defining hairstyles, the film blends cutting-edge CGI and visual effects to bring to life a simple truth: the backyard is where pressure disappears, and legends begin.
Whether it’s a cage pitch, a parking lot, a patch of grass or the World Cup stage, the game belongs to those who play free.
As Official Match Ball provider and kit supplier to 14 federations competing at FIFA World Cup 2026, adidas is gearing up for an unforgettable tournament, showing up on the world’s biggest pitches and every backyard in between.
