Nike's 'Rip The Script' Ad stars Mbappe, LeBron James, Ronaldo ahead of World Cup 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Nike has launched an ambitious new advertising campaign led by French superstar Kylian Mbappé and featuring a host of global sporting icons, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr., Erling Haaland, and NBA legend LeBron James.

The six-minute short film, titled "Rip The Script," was released on Thursday and serves as Nike's flagship World Cup campaign. The advertisement comes just weeks after rival sportswear giant Adidas unveiled its own star-studded commercial featuring actors and footballers such as Timothée Chalamet, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Ousmane Dembélé.

In Nike's latest production, Mbappé takes center stage from the opening scene. Dressed in France's national team colors, the Real Madrid forward is shown disrupting a film set by refusing to follow a scripted sequence, setting the tone for a campaign that celebrates individuality and creativity.

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The advert then transitions through a series of interconnected scenes featuring some of football's biggest names. Erling Haaland appears on set alongside celebrities Kim Kardashian and Travis Scott, while Brazil star Vinicius Jr. showcases his trademark dribbling skills before being joined by Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez.

Cristiano Ronaldo Takes on a Superhero Role

One of the campaign's standout moments arrives with Cristiano Ronaldo's appearance alongside LeBron James during a production meeting. The Portuguese legend soon breaks away from the script, launching into an action-packed sequence that sees him challenged by Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk.

In a dramatic twist, Ronaldo is sent crashing into a burning house but emerges unharmed, reinforcing his larger-than-life image. The scene is accompanied by the iconic track "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, adding to the cinematic feel of the advert.

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The campaign also features football legends and current stars, including Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Eric Cantona, Federico Valverde, Nico Williams, Cole Palmer, and Bruno Fernandes, all contributing to Nike's celebration of football's biggest personalities ahead of the tournament.

Nike's World Cup Statement

The advert concludes with all of Nike's football ambassadors coming together for one final sequence, delivering a powerful message about self-expression, confidence, and rewriting expectations on the world's biggest sporting stage.

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Nike's "Rip The Script" campaign is already generating significant buzz and reinforcing the brand's association with some of the game's most influential stars.