The curse of Nike?

So I'm sure many of you have seen the full length 3 minute Nike 'Write the Future' ad that was launched just before the World Cup; but how many of you have noticed the curse that Nike has obviously put on the football players featured?

Watch it again and then we'll discuss it further below... I guarantee you'll find it interesting...!

Nike being Nike, and advertising being advertising, they want to associate their product and brand with success...they picked 6 of the world's biggest football stars to feature in their extensive, expensive commercial, I'm sure hoping that one of them would 'take it all the way'.

Well, the outcome is that not a single solitary one of their 'stars' made it to the Quarter Final stages of the World Cup, let alone 'performed' in the tournament. Let's break it down one by one...

Cursed #1?  Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast broke his arm in training a few days before the World Cup began limiting his time on the field, with just one goal in a losing effort to Brazil. Out in the Group stage.

Cursed #2?  Fabio Cannavarro - Italy's captain - too old, too slow and with the rest of the Italian team, clearly past his best at international level. Would probably have thrown his back out with that overhead kick in the commercial. Out in the Group stage.

Cursed #3? Wayne Rooney - Supposed to be England's talisman, yet looked a pale immitation of himself. Lived up to the first part of the ad, giving the ball away, but never had the drive that he seemed to have in this advert and in previous performances to get it back. Let's hope he's got that nice caravan and groundsman job lined up.  Out in round of 16 - lucky to get through the group.   

Cursed #4?  Frank Ribery - France. No more needs be said. Out in the Group stage, home with the rest in shame.

Cursed #5? Ronaldinho of Brazil didn't even make it into the Brazil squad. His only appearance on our TV screens during the World Cup is in this commercial.  Out before the World Cup.

Cursed #6?  Cristiano Ronal-D'oh of Portugal - not quite as dismal as Rooney, but not far off. One lucky goal against North Korea, several dreadful free kicks, a fair amount of dives and his usual level of bitching will be all he is remembered for at this World Cup.  Out in the round of 16. No movie, no statue.

So the only stars still shining from the ad are the LA Lakers' Kobe Bryant who won his 5th NBA Championship a few weeks back, and Roger Federer (he was playing table tennis against Rooney if you missed it) who hopes that the Nike curse won't stop him claiming another Wimbledon title this weekend. 

Nike have had to do some fast editing a create a new ad that actually features a star likely to continue to play in the tournament for a while longer yet. Step forward Robinho, and if you're a Brasil fan, let's hope the curse doesn't strike again...