1.
Whether you like to admit it or not, everyone enjoys a good commercial. Just look at the level of interest and importance placed on the commercials shown during the Super Bowl and the number of fans that jump at the opportunity to be the first to see what brands have leading up to the World Cup. Obviously, marketing spend has a lot to do with what is produced, and straight away I will tell you that Nike lead the way in the soccer market. But, which commercials sit as the most entertaining ever released?
This is our list of the 10 Best Soccer Commercials of all time.
Bryan Byrne is the founder of SoccerCleats101. Got a question about boots? Hit up Bryan on Twitter.
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2.
No. 10 – Joga Bonito: Cristiano vs Zlatan
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 2006
Stars: Eric Cantona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
What is incredible about this video is the fact that both feature players, 8 years later, are rated as some of the best in the world. Check out the min skill check showdown between Cristiano and Zlatan, as the master, Eric Cantona, officiates what they have on offer.
3.
No. 9 – The Cage
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 2002
Stars: Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Eric Cantona, Luis Figo
A little Elvis music in the background, Eric Cantona as the cage master and a lot of fancy skills on show in a tight 3vs3 showdown – that is a pretty tasty mix! Playing in the cage, Nike gave their signature players some creative freedom to pull off their best tricks against some of the best players in the world.
4.
No. 8 – ‘Ave It
Advertiser: John Smith
Year: 2002
Stars: Peter Kaye
So, of course we had to add just a little humor into this list. It comes via an English beer company called John Smith and the star I a comedian called Peter Kay. As part of a warm up, players usually knock a ball around in a circle to each other, getting some touches on the ball. But then there is this guy that thinks it is funny to mess it up by striking the ball long and far away. Growing up, there were many times when we would pull this one out to ease tension before kick-off. “Ave it, son”.
5.
No. 7 – Own The Game
Advertiser: adidas
Year: 2003
Stars: David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Kaka
It has a lot to do with the tempo of the music and how the players increase their pace during the ad. Beckham and Zidane are focal players that take their opportunity to train hard, working to improve so that they can make their mark on the game. The message is simple yet effective – you don’t get anywhere without working hard. Many would put this as top of their list of adidas due to that inspirational feel.
6.
No. 6 – Write The Future
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 2010
Stars: Wayne Rooney, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo
Released prior to the 2010 World Cup, this video was intended to raise the profile of Adidas stars and focus on the fact that they have the ability to be match winners on the biggest stage. It is action packed, features the “Simpsons” and brings some off field imagery of what might happen should players be game changers (both positive and negative!) Just look at Wayne Rooney – from trailer park homeowner to having the Queen knight him.
7.
No. 5 – “Airport”
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 1998
Stars: Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Brazilian national team.
You are bored at the airport waiting for your flight to take off, just you and your soccer buddies. So what do you do? Take out a ball and create some skill checks of course! Mind you, this video was shot prior to 9/11 so we don’t recommend doing it current day. Instead, enjoy this ad from 1998, which shows exactly why Brazilian players are known for their fun, samba side.
8.
No. 4 – Impossible Team
Advertiser: adidas
Year: 2006
Stars: David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Oliver Kahn
What could be better than two young kids picking teams that include some of the best players in the world? This one feature a host of top stars with some old school players that really make it a “dream team” type event. It was part of the +10 campaign that adidas ran in 2006, prior to World Cup, where players selected the best group of players they would put alongside themselves in a game.
9.
No. 3 – Good vs. Evil
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 1996
Stars: Eric Cantona, Paulo Maldini, Luis Figo
Better known as the “au revoir” commercial, Eric Cantona and company take on a team of demons in a gladiator style match-up. It includes some blind referees, some traditional black boots and a host of the World’s best players. Released in 1996, it got a lot of attention for its artistic nature as Nike began to mark their presence on the soccer market.
10.
No. 2 – Winner Stays
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 2014
Stars: Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar
It starts as a regular Sunday league kick about, but ends up with a full cast of the world’s best players on the biggest stage as each player gets to pick his superstar “counterpart”. Nike again knocks it out of the park with their fast paced action and slick storyboard. In this game of winner stays, every touch of the ball proves that football will always belong to those who Risk Everything, even when it matters the most.
11.
No. 1 – Take It To The Next Level
Advertiser: Nike
Year: 2008
Stars: Arsene Wenger, Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The story of a lower league soccer player who achieves his dream of playing at the highest level thanks to his desire to be the best. Arsene Wenger is the manager that “scouts him” and of course he faces some challenges along the way - like for example the skills of Ronaldo! You get an on pitch viewpoint from the Arsenal/Holland player’s perspective, which is really cool given the stadiums the ad is shot at and the players included. Top quality work by Nike on this one!
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