Creatives reveal their ‘Weird World Cup’ moments using Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Stock

Technology and travel have strengthened people’s connections with one another and turned the world into a global village. There’s no better illustration of that than the World Cup, a melting pot of 32 different nations and a wealth of different cultures.

To bring to life this notion of ‘Multilocalism’, Adobe Stock unveiled a series of images that portray global consciousness and diversity. To accompany this Gordon Reid of Middle Boop and designer Callum Stephenson teamed up with 20 multicultural creatives from Europe and beyond to share their favourite World Cup moments of the past.

Each of the bespoke designs which were made using Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Stock have been printed onto beer mats and are being displayed in London pubs, where thousands of Brits will cheer on their teams this summer.

All proceeds from sales of the mats will be donated to charity Football Beyond Borders, as part of their drive to build a new multi-purpose space in Angell Town, Brixton. Read more about the charity’s work here.

To donate, buy a pack of 20 for yourself here, or keep your eyes peeled down your local as you might spot one!

Keep reading to check out the artwork and inspiration from creatives, including Tina Touli, Hey Studio and Yarza Twins and more.

Ben Hasking

Graphic designer Ben Hasking’s inspiration came from his favourite World Cup goals. He says: “For me, the Ronaldinho piece takes me back to my living room at home when I watched that ridiculous lob against England.”

Ben Tallon

Illustrator Ben Tallon’s piece is inspired by a 2002 World Cup incident which led to Irish captain Roy Keane being sent home after a run in with his then manager, Mike McCarthy. He says: “It has the perfect tone of voice for that moment and for Roy Keane.”

Hey Studio

Veronica Fuerte of Hey Studio, a Barcelona-based design studio says: “South Africans call Vuvuzelas (blow horns) ‘the horn of Africa’, this love-hate instrument has a very strong cultural symbolism in their culture, some even say that the sound reminds them of a trumpeting elephant.”

Kill Cooper

Artist and Co-founder of studio Hungry Castle, Kill Cooper, based his artwork on the 1994 World Cup in the States. He explains: “It kicked off with a weird penalty and ended with one too. Diana Ross knows how to belt out a song, but her spot-kick went miles wide of the giant goal at the opening ceremony. It wasn’t as bad as Roberto Baggio’s shot in the final.”

Yarza Twins

Spanish designers (and twin sisters) the Yarza Twins explain: “We wanted to represent the ‘Hand of God’ of Maradona. First, because we really admire him as a player, and secondly because it’s hilarious that he came up with that excuse when touching the ball with his hand. Maradona is God, and the ‘Hand of God’ touched that ball.”

Tina Touli

London-based Creative Director Tina Touli says: “Ronaldo’s famous 2002 World Cup haircut can be characterised funny and clever at the same time. In this artwork the number nine from his shirt has been used to depict his appearance along with some other exciting moments of the 2002 World Cup.”

Velvet Spectrum

Luke Choice of Velvet Spectrum says: “I was living in Brighton during the 2010 World Cup and I remember how these horns were suddenly everywhere, you couldn’t escape the noise. They definitely helped to build an exciting atmosphere, just not at close range.”

Thomas Hedger

Illustrator Thomas Hedger says: “With the voice of football – commentator John Motson – retiring this year, I thought it was only appropriate for him to have a mention in the Weird World Cup – his commentary of the confusion over Ronaldo in the 1998 World Cup final was as legendary as the man himself.”

Raj Dhunna

Illustrator Raj Dhunna explains:_ “Beckham’s kick out moment during the 98’ World cup was my first introduction to controversy in football, and then seeing how ruthless the UK tabloids can be.”_

Jack Renwick

London designer Jack Renwick explains:** “**At the old age of 38, Roger Milla was one of the first African players to break onto the international stage – in Italia ‘90 by scoring four goals and reaching the quarter finals. But it was his trademark corner flag dance that pioneered the unusual celebrations we all know and love today.”

Samuel Mensah

Designer Samuel Mensah explains: “’Lets Goal Ghana’ was the chant used by a whole nation when Ghana beat the USA in the 2010 World Cup. It’s a World Cup Moment that was very close to my heart!”

Wade Jeffree

Brooklyn-Based Graphic Designer Wade Jeffree explains his creative is “a football breaking in the French colour, which could mean Zidane scoring his next goal!”

Sarah Boris

Graphic Designer Sarah Boris says: “‘Zut’ – it’s a French word that people use to replace a swear words. It is also a word people say when they spill their drink. Zut also refers to fans reactions when Zidane headbutted an Italian player during the 2006 World Cup final and theories player Marco Materazzi swore at him.”

What’s your favourite Weird World Cup moment? Let us know at @AdobeUK! To keep up to date with our latest news keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter feeds.