‘The Game Before The Game’ From Beats By Dre Is The Best World Cup Commercial You Really Have To See

Beats by Dre, the headphone company recently purchased by Apple for in excess of $3 Billion has really got their marketing game down pat. They just released this amazing five-minute short film that shows all the trials, tribulations, susperstitions and routines the best football players in the world go through before competing in the biggest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup which takes place in Brazil this summer. 

via adweek

It's about pregame rituals, yes, but Beats is proving to be surprisingly adept at all aspects of the sports ad game—which at times like these is supposed to be the purview of Nike and Adidas.

The top star in "The Game Before the Game," fittingly for this World Cup, is Brazil's Neymar Jr. His pregame ritual involves talking to his father, whose pep talks are so inspiring, you'd think an agency copywriter wrote them (well, yeah). Among the other stars featured here: Spain's Fabregas, who kisses the ring his girlfriend gave him exactly four times; Uruguay's Luis Suarez, who kisses the tattoo on his wrist of his son and daughter's names; and Mexico's Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, who prays on his knees as his father taught him. (Elsewhere you'll see Bacaray Sagna, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Blaise Matudi, Daniel Sturridge, Jozy Altidore, Mario Gotze and Robin Van Persie.)

There are also many, many cameos by nonsoccer players—everyone from LeBron James to Lil Wayne to Nicki Minaj to Serena Williams—which lends a very Nike-ish vibe. The latter's grand World Cup spot this year sneaks in Kobe Bryant, Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Irina Shayk and even the Incredible Hulk.

And check out these cool movie posters they made to go with the campaign

 

‘The Game Before The Game’ From Beats By Dre Is The Best World Cup Commercial You Really Have To See