Badalona's Llefià neighbourhood has become the backdrop for Adidas's major advertising campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 'Pista Verda', a public five-a-side football court with fluorescent colours, is the central location for the sports brand's new spot.
The advertisement, titled 'Backyard Legends', aims to evoke the spirit of street football. It features a star-studded cast including Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Trinity Rodman, Ousmane Dembélé, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham. Actor Timothée Chalamet leads the cast, with a cameo from singer Bad Bunny.
Llefià's 'Pista Verda' Goes Global
The 'Pista Verda', named for its colourful surface, is nestled among apartment blocks in a working-class area on the outskirts of Barcelona. It has long been a meeting point for local children, but now it has gained global recognition. Adidas chose this court as the main setting for its campaign, which promotes the 2026 World Cup.
The choice of Llefià was deliberate. Adidas sought to capture the authentic, neighbourhood football spirit that resonates with both older generations, who recall playing football in the street, and younger audiences familiar with similar street football scenes from social media. The ad aims to show the raw energy of the game, far from professional stadiums.
Celebrating Street Football Roots
The campaign highlights the importance of street football, where many players, including two of the ad's protagonists, began their careers. Lionel Messi started playing in Rosario, Argentina, and Lamine Yamal in Mataró, Catalonia. Yamal states in one scene that these were places where 'street rules' applied, where walls counted as part of the game, and players could be both 'goalkeeper-striker'.
The five-minute advertisement brings together a diverse group of global figures from football, urban music, and cinema. This unusual mix of talent, set against the backdrop of a humble neighbourhood court, underscores the brand's message about the universal appeal and grassroots origins of football.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Adidas's campaign aims to build excitement for the tournament by connecting with the sport's fundamental roots.
