Ex-Leeds United hero's cameo in World Cup film alongside Lionel Messi, Timothée Chalamet, Real Madrid star
A much-loved former Leeds United winger made it into Adidas' 2026 World Cup advert.
Former Leeds United winger Raphinha is part of a star-studded cast involved in Adidas’ brilliant 2026 World Cup short film.
The five-minute film, titled Backyard Legends, centres around a three-person team in a neighbourhood that have become legendary for their lengthy unbeaten streak stretching back 30 years.
Academy Award-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet hopes to assemble a trio that can end the run, calling on England international Jude Bellingham, Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and United States Women’s team star Trinity Rodman.
Alongside the main group, there are a huge number of cameos from iconic footballers of past and present.
Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Alessandro Del Piero form one team who were beaten in the 1990s while Lionel Messi and pop star Bad Bunny appear towards the end.
Raphinha is one of several current players to enjoy a brief cameo and has one line. Regarding the myth of the unbeaten trio, he simply says ‘I believe it.”
The former Leeds man is joined by the likes of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, Liverpool star Florian Wirtz and Barcelona teammate Pedri.
Lead actor Chalamet said: “I used to dream of playing with these guys - you know, I was playing at Pier 40 as a kid, thinking about Beckham’s free kicks, Del Piero’s goals, and Zidane’s volleys – doing my own versions.
“I love this game, so it’s unbelievable to be doing this with Adidas, captured with the best to ever do it. I’m a traditionalist, I don’t know soccer, I know football, and I can’t wait for this summer’s World Cup.”
Raphinha is expected to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, which will head to the USA, Canada and Mexico under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The 29-year-old has become a global superstar since leaving Leeds for Barcelona in a £55million deal back in 2022, finishing fifth in last year’s Ballon d’Or rankings.