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Adidas is one of the premier sports brands in football, endorsed by some of the greatest footballers in the world. Since its inception in 1924, Adidas' stature in the world of sports has only grown to make it one of the largest suppliers of sports equipment.
Adidas, the German brand, has always been present in the history of football. They have manufactured and designed memorable kits, balls and boots for footballers and teams in big tournaments. Adidas' continues to face tough competition from Nike and Puma for its stronghold in the football industry.
Over the years, some of the greatest footballers have graced the field while being sponsored by Adidas. Currently, the likes of Paul Pogba, Toni Kroos, Leo Messi and Mo Salah are some of the names who are well-known Adidas users.
On that note, let us take a look at
10 greatest Adidas sponsored footballers of all time
#10 Phillip Lahm
Philipp Lahm is arguably the greatest right-back of the modern era. In addition to being an excellent right-back, the diminutive German was also comfortable playing in multiple positions such as defensive midfield. He was tactically intelligent and technically proficient, which helped him cement his legacy as one of the greats of the game.
Lahm was also a powerful captain, leading his club and country to immense success. Both Germany and Bayern Munich have attained unparalleled heights during his tenure. This includes a treble with Bayern Munich and the World Cup with Germany. Adidas Predator Mania has been Lahm's choice of boot over the years.
#9 Steven Gerrard
With 186 goals and 150 assists in over 700 appearances, Steven Gerrard has forever written his name into Liverpool folklore. During his 17-year tenure with Liverpool, Gerrard won two FA Cups, three League Cups and one Champions League title, among other accolades.
Gerrard was known for pulling the strings from midfield, often creating chances and scoring goals for his team. The Englishman holds a unique record. He is the only footballer to score in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Gerrard has been fond of Adidas' Predator series, wearing a variety of Predator boots over the years.
#8 Frank Lampard
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have graced the Premier League, Frank Lampard has etched his name in the history books. Operating from the centre-midfielder, the Englishman was known for his ability to dictate the tempo of the match.
In addition to his prowess in midfield, Lampard was also an excellent goalscorer. The Englishman racked up 177 goals and 117 assists in 611 appearances. He is the record goalscorer from midfield in the Premier League (261). With a penchant for scoring goals, Lampard was a threat to be reckoned with for the opposition.
#7 Iker Casillas
One of Real Madrid's greatest legends, Iker Casillas, made over 700 appearances for the Royal Whites in his career. Since making his debut in 1999, the Spaniard went on to win every possible trophy for his club and country.
Casillas was one of the most reliable men to have between the posts due to his world class shot-stopping abilities. He was also a decorated leader, leading Spain and Real Madrid to unparalleled success over the years.
For the majority of his career, Casillas' choice was Adidas and he used the Adidas predator series of gloves and boots.
#6 David Beckham
One of the most charismatic icons on and off the pitch, David Beckham was surely an asset for Adidas. The Englishman was a terrific midfielder during his tenure at Manchester United and Real Madrid. He was also a highly marketable personality for his unmatched style.
David Beckham, a member of the 'Class of 92' batch, came through United's youth academy under Sir Alex Ferguson's stewardship in 1992. Beckham possessed an extraordinary vision to find his teammates with his passes and crosses, which made him an asset to his teams.
Beckham has been a priceless member of the Adidas community over the years since breaking into the scene in 1994.
#5 Michel Platini
With three Ballon d'Or awards to his name, Michel Platini is one of the all-time greats. During his tenure at Nancy, Saint-Etienne and Juventus, the French legend won innumerable titles and personal accolades. Platini won the Ballon d’Or three years on the trot between 1983 and 1985, signifying unprecedented domination.
Platini was ruthless in front of goal, as evident from the 1984 Euros where he led France to win the title. He was the tournament's top scorer and best player, which was followed by a sensational campaign with Juventus. The Frenchman was an admirer and consistent user of Adidas boots throughout his illustrious career.
Platini was another great who wore Adidas kits and boots for most of his career.
#4 Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer made history by becoming the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or in 1972, following up with another win four years later. The German legend was not just any typical defender, he was a libero who set new benchmarks in football.
Beckenbauer was an undisputed great for Bayern Munich, featuring over 500 times for the Bavarians in his esteemed career. For his nation, Beckenbauer helped them win the 1972 Euros and the FIFA World Cup just two years after their Euro win.
Beckenbauer not only endorsed Adidas' boots but also other products like tracksuits which became famous over time.
#3 Gerd Muller
Adidas, being a German company, was always associated with the German national team. Gerd Muller was Adidas' premier endorser, with their Der Bomber customized kits and boots to honor the great German. Muller was the first German to win the Ballon d'Or. He was also the winner of the FIFA World Cup and European cup in addition to the most coveted individual award.
Calling Muller's goalscoring exploits legendary would be an understatement. In his distinguished career, he scored over 500 goals for Bayern Munich, helping his club win four Bundesliga titles and three European cups. Muller remains one of Germany's highest scorers with 68 goals, scoring ten goals in the 1970 World Cup.
For his extraterrestrial exploits, Muller has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest goalscorers of all time.
#2 Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane personified grace, flair and domination on the pitch with his majestic presence over the years. The French legend has had it all and showcased his extraordinary traits throughout his career. He plied his trade with Juventus and Real Madrid, and most importantly, with the French national team.
From terrific ball control to extraterrestrial vision, Zidane's talent knew no bounds. He could do anything on the pitch, which made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. One of the most technically proficient footballers of all time, Zidane always knew how to grab the headlines on the biggest stages.
Zidane's brace against Brazil helped France win the World Cup in 1998, which shows how important he was for his team. Following his superb stint with Juventus, 'Zizou' joined Los Blancos in 2001. He gifted them an UEFA Champions League trophy with his venomous volley in the final still cherished by Madridistas.
Zidane returned to take charge of Real Madrid as manager later on, guiding them to three consecutive Champions League titles. For Adidas, he has been a major cash cow throughout his career. Zidane has featured for Adidas ad campaigns even now, although he retired more than a decade ago.
#1 Lionel Messi
Closing in on his seventh Ballon d'Or triumph, Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player ever to grace the pitch. Since his debut for Barcelona, Messi has broken and set a plethora of records, with countless individual awards, trophies and accolades following him.
For the majority of the last two decades, Messi has rewritten history both for Barcelona and Argentina. His exploits helped Argentina claim the Copa America title in 2021, his first major success with his nation.
For Barcelona, Messi's greatness is unmatched. He has racked up 672 goals and 301 careers before moving to PSG this summer.
Since 2006, Messi has been the face of Adidas. He recently announced a lifetime contract with the brand, with Adidas honoring the Argentine with personalized soccer cleats. Currently, Messi wears Adidas x Speedflow which is suited for his pace.
