Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Adidas teams with the Bob Marley Foundation on a capsule honoring Marley’s football passion, Jamaican pride, and lasting impact.
The great reggae artist Bob Marley would have turned 80 today (Feb. 6), and whether you were a fan of his music or his constant activism for the people of Jamaica, you know how big a footy fan the late crooner was. In fact, it was widely known that when he wasn’t writing timeless hits, you’d most likely find him on a soccer pitch dribbling in a pair of Adidas Sambas.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just months away, Adidas is honoring the musician with a bespoke capsule that celebrates Marley as both a fan of the sport and a preacher of peace and love. Arriving Friday in collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation, the eight-piece lifestyle collection also serves as a tribute to his Jamaican roots and is reserved for those intent on forever acknowledging his impact, even nearly 45 years since his untimely death.
The pieces are so thoughtfully Jamaican. Powerful design elements inspired by his life and legendary music catalogue show up throughout the design. Most notably, a flowing wave pattern runs across the apparel, symbolizing the rhythm of his music and the spirit of Jamaica. “Football is Freedom,” a mantra created in close collaboration with the Foundation, appears on key hero pieces like the golden yellow jersey and full-zip jacket, serving as a reminder of his love of football and his belief in its power to bring people together and ultimately, set them free. The kit pulls from the bold yellow of Jamaica’s flag, featuring a flowing wave pattern layered with the MARLEY name and a graphic across the front that ties it all together.
“Daddy loved football, and he’s the one that created the slogan Football is Freedom,” daughter Cedella Marley said to Boardroom in August 2023. Cedella played a major role in equipping the Jamaica women’s national team with kits and travel accommodations during their historic run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, and adding that “Football is Freedom takes everything that we’ve seen and learned through my work with The Reggae Girlz, and we applied it to the women’s game at every level, from grassroots through to college, career opportunities, and beyond.”
Sam Handy, GM at Adidas Football, added: “Bob Marley’s legacy is full of so much inspiration – but to bring it to life through this collection, we worked through old photographs and clothing from his tour days with the Bob Marley Foundation. It was an incredible privilege, and ultimately, inspired us to build an apparel range that celebrate his music, love of football, and the spirit of Jamaica.”
Standout looks include the Jamaica x Bob Marley Gazelle, reworked in rich gold, emerald green, and ruby red, with subtle nods to Marley’s legacy woven across the sneaker alongside the same “Football is Freedom” message. The full-zip track jacket and track pants set brings a classic athletic feel with a modern edge, highlighted by bold graphics across the back. The jacket comes in emerald green and is paired with purple track pants. Rounding out the selections are easy, everyday pieces, including a striped dress and short-sleeve tee in green, gold, and red, wave-patterned red shorts, and a mix of accessories like crew socks and a chocolate brown bowler bag.
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Each piece is finished with the Adidas Originals trefoil, set opposite a calligraphy-style “Bob” embroidery that adds a personal touch.
“This is more than just a partnership to us, it’s a landmark moment which signifies unity, inspiration, and the spirit of Bob Marley on the global stage,” Cedella said in recent comments. “His unwavering belief in the power of our people lives on and through this collection; the fans can carry the pride of Jamaica.”
Jamaica hasn’t officially punched its ticket to this summer’s World Cup yet, but the dream is still very much alive. After just missing out on automatic qualification, the Reggae Boyz now turn their focus to the FIFA Play-off Tournament next month, where they’ll face New Caledonia with a shot at advancing to the final round of the playoffs.
The Adidas x Bob Marley collection is available for purchase via the Adidas website and select retail stores.
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