Adidas showcases the stories of Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Jesus Ferriera ahead of representing the US at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Today, the brand commemorates each of the athletes as they represent a crucial ingredient of American athleticism with a series of murals that speak to their heritage and how they show up for the US and their community. Every player is playing for something more than just to win, and the murals highlight the potential to inspire future generations as they build towards the FIFA World Cup 2026.
As a versatile midfielder, Weston McKennie represents the American spirit of determination and teamwork. Designed by JEKS ONE, his mural is located in Dallas, Texas in the Bishops Art District at 938 W Davis Street. The painting illustrates McKennie’s signature celebratory pose, which inspires children of Dallas to see the possibilities of making it on to the world’s biggest stage. As an ode to his military family, the illustrated American flag signifies his country and represents its service members.
When Gio Reyna takes the pitch in Qatar, he’ll be representing more than just his country, he’ll be representing a legacy – as both his parents previously represented the United States at the FIFA World Cup. To bring his story to life, mural artist Drew Merritt included specific design features such as a four leaf clover for Gio’s mother, Danielle Egan, who formerly represented the US on the women’s team. The mural also includes lavender and ceibo floral illustrations, which are the national flowers of Portugal and Argentina, respectively, to represent his heritage. Gio Reyna’s mural is located in his home state New York at 7302 Northern Blvd, Queens, NY.
Jesus Ferreira always shows up for his fans and his fans always show up for him. Ferreira’s mural is designed by Jeremy Biggers and located in Five Mile Creek of Dallas, Texas at 3287 S Polk Street. His illustration communicates the idea of support by depicting him celebrating a goal alongside the communities he represents. The FC Dallas logo also pays tribute to Ferreira’s MLS team which his father David Ferreria played for previously.
About the Artists
JEKS
Graffiti/Mural artist JEKS is a pioneering member of Greensboro’s burgeoning street-art scene. Over the past 5 years he has made a name for himself globally with his jaw-dropping, hyper-realistic pieces. Growing up as a graffiti artist, his transition from graffiti to large format murals and fine art has been turning heads in the street art community consistently. A self-taught and now accomplished portraitist, JEKS portraits of musicians and pop culture icons have become viral social media hotspots and beloved landmarks in the cities where they are installed.
JEREMY BIGGERS
Award-Winning Creator. Problem Solver. Fine-Artist. Designer. Photographer. Film Maker. Based in Dallas, Texas. Dubbed “Dallas’ Hardest Working Multi-Hyphenate” by D Magazine, from drawing to painting to graphic design to photography to film making, Jeremy Biggers has been involved with image making his entire life. He attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where he primarily focused on expression through graphite and charcoal drawing. During his college years he cultivated his love for painting and photography, and they’ve since cemented themselves into his everyday life. As with most artists, his work is shaped by experiences that inform his view of the world. His goal with each piece is to inspire conversation. His fine-art work mixes realism with a design aesthetic. His partnerships have included IBM, Nike, Adidas, McDonalds, Major League Baseball, Paramount Pictures, Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Fossil, Virgin Hotels, Cheetos, Bud Light, Cadillac, Sprint, and Vice.
DREW MERRITT
Drew Merritt grew up on the outskirts of Clovis, New Mexico on a cattle ranch. Down a dirt road that ran for miles, Drew found himself painting on unorthodox materials with varying mediums since that was all that was available to him. With no artistic training, Merritt found himself experimenting with graffiti and portraiture until he found his own niche. Merritt is now known worldwide for his romanticized, timeless murals and oil paintings, which lean into a neo-western space as an ode to his upbringings. Merritt is interested in showcasing flaws, whether it be physical or emotional in his paintings and unbeknownst to many, his realistic portraits tap into his own exploration of empathy and personal relationships. In 2014, Merritt had his first solo show “Slaying Giants,” and since then, he’s shown and painted murals around the world. Merritt has been commissioned by many brands including; Tesla, Sony PlayStation, Virgin Hotel Dallas, Flippers Boogie Palace, Dream Hotel Los Angeles, UFC, Steve Aoki, Universal Music Group and more.
