They are the most anticipated moment in 4 years, and of course the brands have been preparing big time. Nike is no exception. Today, Thursday, June 4, 2026, saw the release of “Rip the Script,” the American brand’s new commercial designed to coincide with the World Cup, now starting next week in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. A gateway to the Nike Football universe, which will be gradually unveiled over the course of the summer tournament. This is how Nike conceived the project, which will come to life through plots and subplots that intertwine and evolve over time, surprising casts and a constant stream of Easter egg-rich content designed to engage fans, creators and players and make them an integral part of the experience.
Not just a commercial, but almost a movie. Indeed, inside “Rip the Script” are some of contemporary soccer’s biggest stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Jr. as well as soccer icons such as Eric Cantona, Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Didier Drogba and Jorge Campos. But there is no shortage of incredible cameos by Nike-related celebrities from the worlds of sports and culture, including LeBron James, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Ted Lasso – a famous character brought to success by Jason Sudeikis -, Kate Scott, Channing Tatum – hilarious as Haaland’s lookalike -, Young Miko and LISA.
Courage versus convention. Instinct versus instruction. Creativity above all else. “Rip the Script” is a battle cry addressed to young soccer players everywhere: abandon the script and embrace offensive, creative, instinctive and joyful soccer. And the numerous twists and turns in the script, which no longer becomes a script but an off-script, exemplify this. Set inside a giant Hollywood movie studio, Nike’s film sees soccer’s greatest stars, past and present, step outside the script and prove they know what to do better than anyone else, wreaking havoc in a free and spectacular celebration of instinctual play. Kylian Mbappé breaks the defensive lines and finishes with an extraordinary reverse. Vinícius Jr. responds to the hostility with a smile. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to push the limits of what a single athlete can achieve. Erling Haaland strikes only when the time is right. Legends such as Eric Cantona, Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Didier Drogba and Jorge Campos continue to play by their own rules, even after retirement.
Up to and beyond cameos by celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian, Nike’s big partner with its Skims brand. “We were very careful in choosing each cast member and had fun playing with their roles,” explains Enrico Balleri, VP and Creative Director, Global Brand Voice at Nike. “We knew, for example, that Kim accompanies her son Saint to play soccer, so we created a real ‘soccer mom’ figure for her. In later extensions of the film we will develop this storyline further. It was essential that the cast reflect an authentic connection to the world of soccer.” And the result would seem successful.
[📸 Courtesy of Nike]
