Nike Releases Star-Studded ‘Football Verse’ World Cup Ad Featuring Mbappe, Ronaldo

If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to have past legends face off against today’s superstars, Nike has you covered. 

Nike released its latest iconic World Cup ad ahead of the 2022 tournament with a blast from the past, pitting icons like Ronaldinho against Kylian Mbappé. 

The ad starts with scientists in Switzerland debating some of the best players in soccer history before they start work on a machine to bring players back from the past to compete against the game’s current stars within the confines of their laboratory. 

Some of those current stars that will be at the World Cup in Qatar include Kevin De Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk and Phil Foden, along with past and present versions of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Meanwhile, Alex Morgan (and her tea-sipping celebration), England women’s captain Leah Williamson, Australia star Sam Kerr and retired USWNT hero Carli Lloyd also compete in the laboratory free-for-all. 

And with the help of some special effects, the ad features cameos from Netherlands icon Edgar Davids and a few different versions of Brazil legend Ronaldo.

In the end, the laboratory opens up a Pandora’s box of possibilities, filled with tons of Easter eggs for the casual and avid soccer fan.