Rooney and Ronaldo star in epic Nike advert

Nike has unveiled its, now traditional, epic World Cup advert, which makes its TV debut during the Champions League final on Saturday.

The full three-minute long version of the ad (<em>above</em>) features Didier Drogba, Fabio Cannavaro, Wayne Rooney, Franck Ribery, Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. And there are cameos from Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Kobe Bryant, Roger Federer and even Homer Simpson.

The ad uses the strapline "write the future" and shows players performing in a fictional football tournament. The fame and fortune - or lack of it - that they experience as a result of their performances is mapped out in graphic detail - there is even footage of Rooney sporting a gigantic ginger beard.

The high profile of the people involved extends even to the director, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, who was responsible for <em>21 Grams </em>and <em>Babel</em>. His latest film <em>Biutiful </em>premiered at the <a href="http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/63307,in-pictures,news-in-pictures,in-pict... Film Festival</a> last week.

The release of the Nike ad could be seen as the official start of the World Cup marketing blitz that will last all summer.

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