Adidas is getting ready for the 2022 World Cup, and sending good vibes to the U.S. team.
The company unveiled a series of murals focusing on three players in particular; Gio Reyna, Jesus Ferriera, and Weston McKennie ahead of them representing the U.S. at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The idea behind the murals is to showcase not just the players, but their backgrounds and the ways they show up for their communities.
For Gio Reyna, whose mural is located in Queens, NY, and was painted by Drew Merritt, the mural is about legacy. Both his parents, Danielle Egan and Claudio Reyna, previously represented the United States at the FIFA World Cup. And the mural speaks to not just that, but his Argentinian and Portuguese heritage.
Colombian Jesus Ferreira’s mural by Jeremy Biggers is located in Dallas, Texas, and pays tribute to the MLS (Major League Soccer) team he represents, FC Dallas. Through the illustration, the artist hoped to communicate how this player celebrates his achievements alongside the community he represents. FC Dallas is also the club that his father, midfielder David Ferreira, played for from 2008-2013.
Weston McKennie’s mural, courtesy of JEKS ONE, can also be found in Dallas, Texas. This mural in particular features his signature celebratory pose. And the artist hoped to represent how McKennie inspires the children of Dallas to make their dreams come true and reach for those stars.
Adidas’ murals, which will be on display throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are not the first public show of support for U.S. players.
Previously, Ted Lasso himself – or the brilliant marketing team behind the show – left some motivational messages on billboards placed around the hometowns of members of the USNMT (United States Men’s National Team). And though the show of support ultimately does nothing for the team’s actual performance, fùtbol is very much a mental game too and a message of support never goes amiss.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup begins Sunday, November 20th, with host Qatar facing off against Ecuador in the inaugural game. And the U.S. team is set to open their tournament on November 21st against Wales.
