The Best Soccer (Football) Commercials of All-Time

Nike and Adidas, are the largest sports apparel companies in soccer. Why? Better products, debatable. Better business model, probable. Compelling advertising, undeniable. Commercials in sports have made sports, athletes, owners, behemoths. Without the commercialization in soccer we would not have million dollar contracts, $200 soccer cleats, and most importantly - the poor souls that believe Beckham is the best player in the world. With commercialization, along comes competition. Companies battle each other for our dollars. As each dollar becomes more valuable, advertising agencies become more creative where we (the consumer/soccer fans) have absolute pleasure watching from our seats. Presenting the best soccer commercials of all time.

Favourite Moment: "Now I realize, sometimes bad things can turn out good."

This entire campaign by Adidas was simply amazing. Showcasing challenges that athletes that have overcome was brilliant and really brought them down to earth. Other players in this campaign include Asmir Begovic, Jozy Altidore, David Beckham.

Favourite Moment: "[...] Messi. Beckenbauer. Beckenbauer? Hahaha. (Beckenbauer runs out)"

How awesome was this. Childhood memories flood in playing pickup soccer with two captains picking teams. They even bringing out Beckenbauer and Platini! This commercial pretty much united generations of football fans who just love the beautiful game. 

Favourite Moment: "(Robson) Who, who on earth is ringing you at this vital time? (Pearce) Sorry, it was me mom."

I can't say it better than Adfreak:

"Most soccer spots celebrate the speed and power of youth. This one headed brilliantly in the opposite direction. It showed a Sunday pub team that happens to include some of England greatest-ever players—Peter Shilton, Des Walker, Bryan Robson, Stuart Pearce, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher, Alan Ball, Jack Charlton and Bobby Charlton, with the late Sir Bobby Robson as the manager.

The run-of-the-mill premise—that if Carlsberg ran a pub team, it would be the best in the world—is elevated by the spot’s aging stars, who bring the sport gloriously down to earth by playing, long past their prime, for love of the game."

Favourite Moment: The fact the ABC/ESPN World Cup commercials are ALL narrated by Bono from U2.

The commercials from ABC/ESPN are surprisingly, very inspirational. Here are more if you are interested: Passion, Robben Island, Power of 10 Version 1, Power of 10 Version 2 and One Game Changes Everything is a must watch.

Favourite Moment: "Now lets take 2 seconds to talk about soccer, which is about 2 seconds longer than it deserves."

This pretty much was addressed to all the haters of soccer in the United States. How do you deal with hate? Take it head on. Gatorade also did amazing commercial appropriately titled, It's a Whole New Ballgame.

Favourite Moment: The whole thing was awesome

This was hands down the best soccer commercial before 2006 and even had a rematch. This ad beat out Good vs. Evil, Airport '98, and Henry's House.

Favourite Moment: (Rooney) Come on, get out (Ferguson) Wayne, where you going, stay where you are!"

The entire Joga Bonito campaign tackled the problems of soccer (time wasting, divers, etc) which was well said by Eric Cantona (he's managed to make a pretty good career outside football). The level they went with this campaign, amazing tv commercials, online commercials, and online campaigns. There is no other ad campaign that hit the same level that Joga Bonito reached. Nike tried during 2010 World Cup with Write the Future and Take it to the Next Level.

*I believe in citing your sources, so all info about transfers came from Youtube and Red Card 

---

Thanks for reading, my name is Tasvir Khalili. I do freelance sports journalism. If your looking for a guest blogger, adding a new journalist, or any other opportunities please feel free to drop me a line at tasvir [dot] khalili [at] gmail [dot] com.