ADdicted: World-Class World Cup Ads

The World Cup begins in just a few weeks, and major advertisers are already gearing up with campaigns intended to be a part of one of the world's biggest sporting events.

And when it comes to marketing in sport, there is no advertiser more major than Nike.

One of my all-time favourite ads is Nike's "Write the Future" spot, which was launched just before the 2010 World Cup: it tells a story (several, actually) of how a single moment can impact your future, and it does so using an unbelievable roster of football athletes (and what must have been an absolutely enormous production budget).

This year's "Rip the Script" ad might rival that "Write the Future".

I don't follow most sports, so I have to admit I didn't know most of the people in this ad; I recognized four of them instantly, but two weren't footballers, so I'm not sure they count.

But I watched this with my 14-year-old football-loving son (who, sadly, does not share my love of advertising), and he was absolutely amazed.

He liked the spot because it was filled with humour and showcased many of his football heroes doing what they do best.

I like the spot because I love good storytelling, and this ad is very good storytelling that increases my admiration for the brand.

Football heroes, pop-culture cameos, epic production values, and elite storytelling.

Nike’s new World Cup ad is simply world-class.

And everything I've come to expect from a Nike ad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DMBC14OiH8