Adidas World Cup 2026

As a Brand Strategy intern, I delved into Adidas's rich legacy of supporting athletes through innovative product development. The fascinating part was uncovering how Adi Dassler's original philosophy of being the athlete's most reliable ally still resonates today. His approach wasn't just about making sportswear – it was about solving real problems athletes faced.
Looking at Adidas's history of innovation tells a compelling story: When soccer players struggled with slipping on hard surfaces, Dassler reimagined the Samba with a groundbreaking grip pattern. When athletes battled foot fungus in locker rooms, he developed the first sports slides as a practical solution. And in a particularly clever innovation, he introduced kangaroo leather in football boots when he realized it offered the perfect blend of durability and touch sensitivity that players needed.
These weren't just product improvements – they represented Adidas's deep understanding of athletes' challenges and pressure points. Each innovation sent a clear message: "We've got your back." This heritage of problem-solving innovation directly informed my strategic work on how Adidas could authentically deliver the "you got this" message to today's athletes. The brand wasn't just making empty promises – it had decades of proof that it understood and actively worked to address athletes' needs.