adidas Unveils Bob Marley-Inspired Football Collection Celebrating Music and Freedom

In a recent announcement, adidas has unveiled an exclusive eight-piece collection inspired by the life and musical legacy of the legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter, Bob Marley. The collection, developed in close collaboration with the Bob Marley Foundation, aims to uplift underserved communities in Jamaica while honoring Marley’s profound connection to both music and football.

Bob Marley once eloquently articulated, “Football is freedom,” emphasizing his passion for the sport. This sentiment is vividly captured in the collection, which draws inspiration from historical imagery and Marley’s distinctive fashion sense. One iconic photograph features Marley playing football in London’s Battersea Park during the mid-1970s, donning a custom tracksuit and adidas Copa Mundial boots—a clear testament to his love for the game, which he often squeezed into his busy schedule of studio sessions and tours.

In a 1980 interview, Marley shared his thoughts on the balance between his two great loves: “I love music before I love football. If I love football first it maybe can be dangerous.” His playful yet serious view of football—as something that could incite strong emotions—further illustrates the depth of his passion.

Reflecting on Marley’s fashion legacy, the adidas collection includes a jersey, track jacket, pants, a dress, a t-shirt, shorts, and accessories, all harmonized by a wave pattern inspired by the rhythm of his music and the essence of Jamaica. Each piece prominently features the name ‘Bob’ in a calligraphy style on the chest, alongside the adidas Originals trefoil.

The jersey, in a vibrant yellow inspired by the Jamaican flag, boldly showcases the phrase “Football is Freedom.” Complementing this, the track jacket and pants boast a retro design, with the jacket in emerald green adorned with the same empowering phrase on the back, while the pants feature a striking purple hue.

Additionally, the collection includes a dress and a short-sleeve t-shirt in the iconic colors of green, gold, and red, alongside wave-patterned red shorts, multiple styles of crew socks, and a distinctive brown and white adidas bowler bag.

Sam Handy, general manager of adidas Football, remarked, “Bob Marley’s legacy is full of so much inspiration. 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 celebrates his music, love of football, and the spirit of Jamaica.”

The adidas x Bob Marley collection is now available for purchase on adidas.com and select retail locations.