The adidas story
adidas traces its roots to the 1920s, when Adi Dassler began making sports shoes in his family's home in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria. After a split with his brother Rudolf, who went on to found Puma, Adi registered the adidas company in 1949. The Three Stripes, first used for support on the side of the shoe, became the brand's mark. The company built its name on athletes, supplying footwear at Olympic Games and FIFA World Cups.
What makes adidas powerful
adidas holds rare cultural range. It is a performance brand in football and running, and a lifestyle brand through classics such as the Samba, Gazelle, Stan Smith and Superstar. The Trefoil logo connects the brand with music, street style and fashion collaborations. Its long partnerships with national football teams and with major tournaments keep the Three Stripes in front of a global audience.
adidas today
adidas AG is listed in Frankfurt and based in Herzogenaurach, the same town as Puma. Under CEO Bjørn Gulden the company has refocused on product, retail partners and its heritage styles. adidas has set targets for recycled polyester and for reducing emissions across its supply chain, and it publishes its supplier list.
What comes next for adidas
The road ahead for adidas is to keep its terrace and lifestyle momentum while winning in performance categories, especially running. The brand's ability to move between the pitch and the street gives it more than one engine of growth.
Why adidas ranks #4
adidas ranks #12 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 80.89.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places adidas at #4 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
adidas was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
2 Sportswear brands are in the Europe 100. adidas is #1 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is adidas in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
adidas ranks #4 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 80.89 out of 100. It also ranks #12 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was adidas founded and who founded it?
adidas was founded in 1949. Founder(s): Adolf (Adi) Dassler.
Who leads adidas today?
Bjørn Gulden, CEO. The brand is owned by adidas AG.
Where is adidas headquartered?
adidas is based in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is adidas's revenue?
€24.8bn (FY2025), adidas AG, according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about adidas?
Adi Dassler registered the company name adidas in 1949, built from his own first and last names.
Key facts
| Brand | adidas |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | adidas AG |
| Headquarters | Herzogenaurach, Germany |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Founder(s) | Adolf (Adi) Dassler |
| Leadership | Bjørn Gulden, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €24.8bn (FY2025), adidas AG Source |
| Sector | Sportswear |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | Adi Dassler registered the company name adidas in 1949, built from his own first and last names. |
| Official website | adidas.com |
adidas is ranked #4 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 80.89).