Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Impossible is nothing

"Impossible is Nothing" is an iconic and long-running global launched by the sportswear brand in February 2004, aimed at motivating athletes and consumers to push beyond perceived limitations and achieve what seems unattainable. The campaign, created by the 180/TBWA with a $50 million budget, draws inspiration from the philosophy of boxing legend , who was prominently featured alongside his daughter and other stars like in its initial commercials. The core of the —" is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore they have to change it. is not a fact. It's an opinion. is not a declaration. It's a dare. is potential. is temporary. is nothing"—was crafted by copywriter Aimee Lehto and Boyd Coyner, though it is frequently misattributed to himself due to his endorsement and the campaign's narrative style. This motivational message has been delivered through documentary-style films, print ads, and digital content, celebrating Adidas's historical ties to sports icons like , who wore the brand's boots in landmark fights such as the 1974 "." From its debut through , "Impossible is Nothing" served as a of Adidas's branding strategy, with major relaunches in featuring a diverse array of athletes from various backgrounds to highlight themes of and resilience, and in tied to the to inspire ers and fans alike. In , it was succeeded by the new global campaign "You Got This." The campaign's emphasis on , , and breaking barriers not only boosted Adidas's but also positioned the brand as a cultural force in sports and , influencing generations through its authentic storytelling and global reach.

Origins and Development

Slogan Roots

The phrase "Impossible is nothing" traces its inspirational roots to the of legend , who embodied unyielding perseverance and mental fortitude in the face of overwhelming challenges during his career. Ali's mindset, particularly evident in his preparation for major bouts like the 1974 "" against , emphasized transforming doubt into drive through mental preparation and self-belief. During this historic event on October 30, 1974, Ali wore custom-designed boots, crafted to facilitate his signature footwork and agility in the ring, underscoring his reliance on both physical and psychological tools to defy expectations. Philosophically, the phrase's origins connect to broader themes of in combat sports, where Ali's career illustrated how could overcome physical and societal barriers through sheer willpower. His experiences in the ring, including the strategic "" tactic employed in the , symbolized turning apparent defeat into triumph, influencing athletic motivation beyond to emphasize incremental steps toward ambitious dreams. This foundational ethos of perseverance, free from commercial ties at the time, laid the groundwork for the slogan's later interpretations in sports culture. adopted "Impossible is nothing" in , drawing from Ali's enduring legacy of inspirational defiance, with the full motivational crafted by copywriter Aimee Lehto and the by Boyd Coyner at 180/TBWA.

Campaign Conception

In the early 2000s, ' marketing team conceived the "Impossible is Nothing" initiative as a strategic effort to reposition the amid intense competition from and , shifting focus from product-centric messaging to one that highlighted the company's rich heritage and motivational ethos. This repositioning aimed to recapture , particularly among younger consumers aged 12-24, by leveraging emotional storytelling to differentiate in a saturated landscape. Central to the campaign's development was a collaboration with the global 180/TBWA, formed in through a between TBWA and Omnicom Group's 180, which proposed the to encapsulate Adidas' "storied history" of innovation and athletic triumphs, including its endorsement deal with dating back to 1969. The agency drew inspiration from Ali's philosophy of , crafting the motivational text—" is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. is not a fact. It's an . is not a declaration. It's a dare. is potential. is temporary. is nothing"—to symbolize boundless potential and resilience. This approach moved away from traditional advertising tropes, prioritizing narrative depth to evoke the brand's legacy of empowering athletes. The core strategic objectives centered on inspiring consumers to "challenge limits" and push beyond perceived barriers, with an initial emphasis on penetrating the market where Adidas held only about 10% share compared to Nike's dominance. By building emotional connections through authentic athlete narratives rather than overt sales pitches, the campaign sought to foster and cultural relevance, transforming "Impossible is Nothing" into a broader of .

Initial Launch and Execution

2004 Campaign Features

The 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign launched on February 5 in City's Harlem neighborhood as Adidas's largest global advertising effort to date, with a $50 million budget supporting a rollout across more than 50 countries over the following weeks. It began in the United States with television commercials, print advertisements, outdoor billboards in major cities like , , and , and online content, before expanding internationally through similar multi-channel executions. The campaign also incorporated grassroots elements, such as athlete clinics and point-of-sale displays, to foster direct consumer engagement. At its core, the employed an innovative approach through short documentary-style television spots and web-based athlete narratives that highlighted personal journeys of overcoming adversity, framed by the slogan to inspire a mindset of relentless achievement. Three initial TV commercials featured edited archival footage blended with contemporary scenes to depict athletes pushing physical and mental boundaries, emphasizing the emotional essence of as a force for . The dedicated website, .com/impossible, extended this format with interactive interviews and user-submitted stories of triumph, encouraging everyday participants to share their "impossible" challenges and reinforcing the campaign's motivational theme. Visually, the campaign drew on black-and-white archival clips to evoke a sense of historical authenticity and timeless determination, subtly integrating products like within the sequences to align the with athletic legacy without overt promotion. The tagline "Impossible is Nothing"—derived from a quote—was prominently placed in motivational contexts across all media, appearing at the close of spots and in print to underscore a of possibility through and . This cohesive narrative structure aimed to reposition as a embodying sport's inspirational power, connecting global audiences through shared themes of perseverance.

Key Athletes and Narratives

served as the centerpiece of the 2004 "Impossible is Nothing" campaign, embodying the slogan's essence through his narrative of underdog triumphs and unyielding confidence. , who had a longstanding partnership with dating back to the 1960s when he wore the brand's boots in iconic bouts like the "Rumble in the Jungle" against in 1974—where he defied odds as a heavy underdog—highlighted his philosophy of turning perceived impossibilities into achievements. The campaign drew directly from 's famous quote, adapted into the slogan to underscore resilience and self-belief, linking his legacy to ' heritage without explicit product mentions. His daughter, , was also prominently featured in a blending archival footage of with contemporary scenes of her , symbolizing the passing of determination across generations. Other prominent athletes featured in individual 60-second spots included basketball star , tennis player , soccer stars and . McGrady's narrative depicted him running alongside a digitally recreated young , illustrating themes of inspiration and pushing limits through sport's legacy. Hewitt's story emphasized his dramatic on-court comebacks, showcasing matches where he rallied from deficits to secure victories, symbolizing in high-stakes tennis. Beckham and Zidane's spots highlighted their skill and perseverance in football, connecting personal achievements to the campaign's message of overcoming barriers. The narrative structure across these athlete profiles consistently built from profound obstacles to ultimate victory, framing through the slogan's motivational lens while maintaining a subtle, inspirational tone devoid of direct product endorsement. Each spot adopted a documentary-style approach, using archival footage, personal voiceovers, and cinematic visuals to chronicle the journeys—from moments of and adversity to breakthroughs that redefined their legacies—reinforcing the campaign's core message that personal limits are surmountable. This storytelling method connected individual stories to a universal call for , drawing viewers into the athletes' emotional arcs without commercial overtness.

Revivals and Evolutions

2021 Relaunch

In April 2021, relaunched its "Impossible Is Nothing" campaign as an evolution of the original initiative, aiming to inspire a new generation amid global challenges following the by emphasizing possibilities over limitations. The rollout began on April 19 with an episodic series of 20 short films released in phases through spring and summer, distributed across digital platforms, , and television to reach a global audience in over 50 countries. This multi-platform approach generated over a billion views and 18 million engagements, reflecting its broad . Key updates modernized the campaign for contemporary viewers while honoring its roots in , inspired originally by Muhammad Ali's ethos. Unlike the aesthetic of the 2004 version, the 2021 iteration employed color footage in an intimate, documentary-style format to create more relatable narratives. It expanded global representation by featuring a diverse array of athletes and cultural figures, with increased inclusion of women and non-Western talents to promote inclusivity and equity in sports. The content shifted to address broader social themes, integrating discussions of , environmental , and mental alongside traditional themes of overcoming obstacles, aligning with Adidas's 2021-2025 strategy pillars of , inclusivity, and credibility. The relaunch incorporated interactive elements to foster , including the #ImpossibleIsNothing encouraging user participation and sharing of personal stories of achievement. Films were produced in collaboration with acclaimed directors to capture raw, authentic moments, and the campaign tied into major events like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), amplifying its inspirational message during the Games through spotlights and promotional content. This strategic revival positioned "Impossible Is Nothing" as a for positive change, extending its legacy into digital and social .

Post-2021 Adaptations

Following the 2021 relaunch, the "Impossible is Nothing" campaign evolved through event-specific adaptations and thematic expansions, emphasizing unity, barrier-breaking, and digital engagement. In 2022, integrated the slogan into its campaign, titled "When Football is Everything, Impossible is Nothing." This month-long initiative featured a central , "," showcasing soccer icons including , , , , and , to highlight football's role in fostering global connections and overcoming challenges. The campaign also advanced inclusivity by spotlighting women in sport as part of its largest-ever commitment to gender equity, including a series of documentary-style films featuring diverse athletes and innovators breaking barriers in fitness, culture, and beyond. This focus extended to celebrating Black women during Black History Month 2022, with content honoring figures advancing in sport, fashion, and innovation under the campaign's mindset. Additionally, partnerships like the UEFA Women's Champions League initiative powered by "Impossible is Nothing" supported grassroots women's football development. Youth empowerment gained prominence through the 2022 launch of a nationwide student-athlete aimed at fostering and in sports, aligning with the campaign's core attitude. adaptations included the rebranding to "I'm Possible" for younger audiences, with over 300 interactive assets integrated into the app, featuring exclusive player profiles, stories, and tips from diverse talents to engagement and personalization. By , the slogan inspired product narratives, such as the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 running shoe, positioned as an embodiment of pushing boundaries. Collaborations like the x further embedded "Impossible is Nothing" in high-performance design. In 2024, the campaign continued its evolution with the "You Got This" initiative, a three-chapter global effort to re-establish as the brand by addressing in sports and restoring joy. The first chapter targeted everyday athletes in 2024, the second focused on elite footballers during the Euro and Copa , and the third celebrated diverse athletes at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, all aligning with the "Impossible is Nothing" of achieving personal potential. The 2025 evolution built on this with a new global brand campaign launched in February, titled "We All Need Someone to Make Us Believe You Got This," emphasizing the positive role of supporters like parents, coaches, and teammates in motivating athletes to overcome challenges. It included a four-episode docuseries "Illuminated" featuring athletes such as and , released mid-April on , alongside an anthem film blending and stories to promote positivity across sports levels.

Impact and Legacy

Marketing and Cultural Influence

The "Impossible is Nothing" campaign significantly contributed to ' brand repositioning, particularly , where the company had long trailed in market dominance. Launched in , the initiative emphasized themes of aspiration and athletic heritage by featuring narratives of iconic athletes overcoming challenges, thereby forging a stronger emotional connection with consumers and elevating from a perceived secondary player to a more competitive force. This strategic shift helped increase sales by 11% in compared to 2003, with holding about 10% of the footwear market share that year. Beyond , the has permeated , extending into non-athletic domains as a symbol of and . It frequently appears in motivational speeches and literature, inspiring individuals to push personal boundaries; for instance, the 2016 Impossible Is Nothing by Clement T. Mathebula draws directly on the phrase to chronicle a journey of overcoming adversity, reflecting its adoption as a universal for self-improvement. The has also inspired parodies and references in , such as satirical takes in films and online memes that humorously reinterpret its defiant tone to comment on everyday impossibilities, further embedding it in broader cultural discourse. On a global scale, "Impossible is Nothing" achieved widespread reach through translations and regional adaptations, solidifying Adidas' influence on youth culture across diverse markets. The campaign was localized in over 50 countries during its 2021 relaunch, with versions tailored for linguistic and cultural nuances—such as Arabic adaptations in the Middle East and Korean reinterpretations in Asia—to maintain its core message of possibility while aligning with local aspirations. In Europe, it bolstered youth engagement in soccer through endorsements of stars like Mohamed Salah and UEFA EURO promotions, fostering a sense of communal ambition among young fans. Similarly, in Asia, adaptations featuring basketball icons like Candace Parker amplified its impact on emerging talents, encouraging a generation to view sports as a pathway to transcending limitations. The campaign's 2022 tie-in with the FIFA World Cup further extended its global footprint, inspiring footballers and fans. In 2023, region-specific efforts, such as collaborations in China featuring actor Chen Xiao, reinforced cultural relevance.

Critical and Commercial Reception

The "Impossible is Nothing" campaign received widespread critical acclaim for its inspirational storytelling and emotional resonance. In 2004, praised the initial launch as landing the "perfect combo" of Adidas's storied history and motivational narratives, highlighting how it effectively blended archival footage with contemporary athlete stories to inspire viewers. The 2021 relaunch was similarly lauded by for serving as a blueprint for authentic , featuring intimate documentary-style profiles of athletes from varied backgrounds, genders, and nationalities to promote inclusivity and possibility. The campaign's creative excellence earned it multiple prestigious industry awards. In 2005, it secured several Cannes Lions for elements like the "Impossible Sprint" spot, recognizing its innovative use of ideas in outdoor and promotional advertising. It also won Effie Awards for marketing effectiveness, underscoring its impact on consumer engagement and brand perception. Additionally, featured the campaign prominently in its coverage of top advertising efforts, later honoring the original iteration as a marketing moment in sports branding history. Commercially, the campaign drove significant growth for . Following the 2004 launch, U.S. sales increased by 11 percent compared to the previous year, helping the brand gain in a competitive landscape. The 2021 relaunch correlated with a 16 percent rise in overall revenue on a currency-neutral basis, reflecting strong performance in categories amid post-pandemic recovery, as reported in Adidas's annual financials. By 2024, Adidas transitioned from "Impossible is Nothing" to the "You Got This" brand campaign, emphasizing the joy of and unification while building on the motivational legacy of the original slogan. This evolution continued into 2025 with initiatives like a specialized shoe for runners with and collaborations such as and , sustaining cultural influence through themes of inclusivity and possibility.

References

  1. [1]
    Quote Origin: Impossible Is Just a Big Word Thrown Around by Small ...
    Nov 28, 2017 · The forceful final line, “Impossible is nothing”, should be credited to Boyd Coyner. The Muhammad Ali misattribution occurred because he was ...
  2. [2]
    ESPN.com: Page 2 : New adidas ad lands the perfect combo
    The idea for the campaign was to invoke adidas' storied history (Ali wore adidas boots in several key fights, including the Rumble in the Jungle)
  3. [3]
    Impossible is nothing - adidas Annual Report 2021
    We relaunched our iconic brand campaign 'Impossible is Nothing.' It was originally introduced in 2004 with Muhammad Ali and is now brought to a new generation ...
  4. [4]
    Why Adidas' New 'Impossible Is Nothing' Campaign Is A Blueprint ...
    Apr 21, 2021 · The campaign features a variety of athletes and other highly documented individuals from all over the world in intimate documentary style footage.
  5. [5]
    When Football is Everything, Impossible is Nothing: adidas FIFA ...
    Nov 14, 2022 · With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on the horizon, today adidas launches the latest chapter of its Impossible Is Nothing campaign, celebrating ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  6. [6]
    Muhammad Ali's 10 best quotes - ESPN
    Jun 3, 2016 · Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing." Why we love it: This quote ...
  7. [7]
    Muhammed Ali's Most Famous Quotes and Pre-Fight Rhymes
    Jun 4, 2016 · Impossible is nothing." Muhammad Ali. Heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali ... 30, 1974, to earn $5 million in the Rumble in the Jungle. In ...
  8. [8]
    'Sting like a bee': Best quotes from Muhammad Ali - CNN
    Jun 4, 2016 · Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” “The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.
  9. [9]
    A Story of Boxing and Muhammad Ali's adidas Boots - blog | footdistrict
    Dec 13, 2024 · So much so that when Ali was stripped of his title, he sent his boots as a gift to Adi Dassler, who had designed them specifically for him. In ...
  10. [10]
    Muhammad Ali: Best quotes from the boxing legend - Sports Illustrated
    Jun 3, 2016 · “I always bring out the best in men I fight, but Joe Frazier, I'll tell the world right now, brings out the best in me. I'm gonna tell ya, ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    ADIDAS, IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING - Overall Murals
    The Adidas slogan "Impossible is Nothing" originated in 1974 and was derived from a quote by Muhammad Ali, world-famous boxing champion.
  12. [12]
    How “Impossible is Nothing” changed the Adidas story
    Nov 12, 2021 · In early 2000, the Adidas brand was at a clear disadvantage with its big rivals: Nike and Reebok. Both conquered young audiences with their ...
  13. [13]
    Achieving the impossible isn't nothing in adidas' global campaign
    Feb 29, 2004 · The spots illustrate adidas' tag "Impossible is Nothing," but achieving their impossible scenarios wasn't nothing for the creative parties ...Missing: collaboration proposal
  14. [14]
    adidas presents 'Impossible is Nothing' Olympics campaign
    The campaign, created by adidas' global advertising agency 180\TBWA, will present three new 30sec spots, entitled "Haile", "Nadia" and "Jesse", specifically ...
  15. [15]
    adidas Launches $50 million Ad Campaign | SGB Media Online
    Feb 10, 2004 · The global campaign, “Impossible is Nothing,” was launched February 5th in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. The slogan, “Impossible is ...Missing: format | Show results with:format
  16. [16]
    Adidas putting $50M behind Muhammad Ali-led 'Impossible' campaign
    Feb 9, 2004 · Adidas has launched what it is calling its biggest ad campaign ever, a $50 million global effort featuring Muhammad Ali, and a new tag line, “Impossible Is ...
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
    IMPOSSIBLE IS NOTHING - Marketing Campaign Case Studies
    Jan 28, 2008 · The adidas ''Impossible Is Nothing'' campaign, created by 180/TBWA, was designed first to reach American consumers and to improve the company's ...
  19. [19]
    adidas - Impossible Is Nothing - Jonah Lomu - splendAd
    Description. Rugby player Jonah Lomu talks about recovering from kidney problems that could have set him back for the rest of his life.Missing: 2004 narrative physical
  20. [20]
    Adidas – Impossible is Nothing: the beginning
    Jul 12, 2011 · The adidas ''Impossible Is Nothing'' campaign, created by 180/TBWA, was designed first to reach American consumers and to improve the company's market share in ...
  21. [21]
    adidas: Impossible Is Nothing - Ads of the World
    This professional campaign titled 'Impossible Is Nothing' was published in United States in October, 2021. It was created for the brand: adidas, by ad agency: ...
  22. [22]
    The new adidas campaign is version 2.0 of "Impossible is nothing"
    The historic claim "Impossible is nothing" returns to be present on all social accounts of the three stripes exactly 17 years after the first commercial.
  23. [23]
    Adidas' "Impossible Is Nothing" Campaign Leads With Black Women
    Apr 21, 2021 · The goal of the films underscores the three main tenets of adidas' new 2021 to 2025 strategy: sustainability, inclusivity, and credibility.Missing: social equality mental health
  24. [24]
    Adidas brings back its global content initiative, 'Impossible is Nothing'
    Apr 21, 2021 · Adidas brings back its global content initiative, 'Impossible is Nothing'. The sportswear brand will launch 20 films in a phased manner, ...Missing: clips | Show results with:clips
  25. [25]
    How Nike, Adidas are using video in Olympics run-up - Ad Age
    Jul 26, 2021 · The second most-seen piece during the same time period (8.0 million views globally) is a Japanese-language “Impossible Is Nothing” video ...
  26. [26]
    Adidas introduces the evolution of its brand attitude 'Impossible Is ...
    Apr 19, 2021 · Impossible is Nothing is a way of seeing the world for what it can be, not as it is. It is an attitude shared by its community and its partners.<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    ADIDAS CREATES NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR WOMEN IN SPORT ...
    Jan 31, 2022 · As a major year of sport commences, adidas continues its Impossible Is Nothing story with the announcement of its biggest ever commitment to women.Missing: 2023 | Show results with:2023
  28. [28]
    adidas Celebrates Black Women Who Are Breaking Barriers In Sport ...
    Feb 24, 2022 · In a continuation of the brand's Impossible Is Nothing attitude – and its biggest ever commitment to women – adidas is centering its Black History Month ...
  29. [29]
    adidas and UEFA Unite to Create Lasting Legacy for Grassroots ...
    May 17, 2022 · Powered by its attitude of Impossible Is Nothing, it announced its biggest ever commitment to women earlier in 2022. This includes the expansion of its ...
  30. [30]
    Imagining A More Equitable and Inclusive Future - adidas News
    Mar 23, 2022 · Impossible is Nothing. adidas is committed to creating a culture of equity and fairness wherever sport is played. This initiative is only the latest chapter ...
  31. [31]
    adidas | Engaging a Demographic With Digital Storytelling
    Building on the 'Impossible is Nothing' brand platform, we used digital to create a purpose driven evolution and global call to action – “I'm Possible ...Missing: AR 2022-2024
  32. [32]
    adidas Launches Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 – The Future of Racing ...
    Sep 14, 2023 · The ADIZERO Adios Pro Evo 1 is our own 'Impossible is Nothing' story. We set ourselves the goal to create a racing shoe that is packed with the technology ...
  33. [33]
    Bugatti and adidas Create Limited Edition Football Boot Crafted for ...
    Nov 1, 2023 · Adorned on the side of the boot are two phrases that have shaped the values of both companies “Impossible is Nothing” for adidas' relentless pursuit of ...
  34. [34]
    Campaign: Adidas "Impossible is Nothing" - Ad Age
    Mar 31, 2005 · Campaign: Adidas "Impossible is Nothing". Gift Article. Share. March 31 ... In 2004, adidas finally arrived via the hands of Lee Clow ...
  35. [35]
    Books - Impossible Is Nothing: Mathebula, Clement T - Amazon.com
    In this book, Impossible Is Nothing, we look at a life of a motivated young South African man who made it through in life after having had to experience ...
  36. [36]
    100+ greatest advertising slogans of all time [Updated 2024] - Adglitz
    The slogan became a symbol of enduring love weaving itself into popular culture and inspiring books, films, and songs. ... Adidas' “Impossible Is Nothing” ...Missing: motivational | Show results with:motivational
  37. [37]
    Successful Global Campaigns Driven by Effective Translations
    Adidas successfully expanded its presence in Latin America by tailoring its “Impossible is Nothing” campaign using localized translations. Translators adapted ...
  38. [38]
    English Brands And Slogans In The Korean Language
    Jun 3, 2022 · It can also be noted that the Adidas brand slogan sounds "Impossible is nothing". In Korean, we met an adapted version of the translation " ...Missing: global | Show results with:global<|separator|>
  39. [39]
    2005 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Award Winners
    2005 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity Award Winners ... Impossible is Nothing Basketball - adidas · Impossible Sprint · Impossible Stain ...
  40. [40]
    Effie Awards Europe Winners - AdForum
    Impossible Field - adidas · Impossible is Nothing - adidas · Impossible is Nothing 2007 - adidas · In the service of good taste · In the sink - Parodontax ...
  41. [41]
  42. [42]
    Economic and Sector Development - adidas Annual Report 2021
    In 2021, Adidas saw a 16% revenue increase, while the global economy recovered with a 5.5% GDP rebound. The sporting goods industry also expanded, driven by ...