Adidas apologizes for the large number of pink shoes at the World Cup

German sportswear company Adidas apologized on Thursday for the prevalence of pink shoes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that the simultaneous appearance of the footwear on numerous players was merely a “coincidence.”

In response to a question from Agence France-Presse regarding the unusual uniformity in shoe colors during a press conference on the sportswear company’s quarterly results, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden stated that “it was a coincidence.”

Gulden clarified that what surprised him was not the pink color itself, but the fact that all brands chose the same color at the same time.

He added, “Pink is a good color, no doubt about that. But for all of us to end up wearing the same color, that is strange.”

Several explanations have been offered for the spread of pink shoes at this year’s World Cup, held in North America.

Some observers noted that pink shoes stand out more clearly against the green of the pitch, helping footwear manufacturers attract the attention of spectators.

Odenga Niamoko, director of football footwear products at Nike, told The Athletic that some players preferred pink because it is seen as an expression of confidence.

He added, “But we haven’t heard anything like that. That’s on us, I think. No one seemed to like it.”

The German company promised a swift return to greater color diversity, with Gulden confirming, “We change colors every three months. When the season resumes, you will see many shoes that will not be pink.”