Adidas AG: A Global Sportswear Empire Born from Sibling Rivalry
Adidas AG, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, stands as Europe's largest and the world's second-largest athletic apparel and footwear manufacturer, reporting €23 billion in revenue for 2024. The company was founded in 1949 by Adolf "Adi" Dassler, following a significant family split; he and his elder brother Rudolf had initially established "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory" in 1924, but Rudolf later went on to found rival brand Puma. Adolf Dassler's early innovations in spiked running shoes gained international recognition when U.S. sprinter Jesse Owens famously wore his handmade spikes to win four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Adidas's distinctive "three stripes" identity, purchased in 1952 for a mere €1,600 and two bottles of whiskey, swiftly became a globally recognized trademark. Today, Adidas continues its legacy of performance innovation, known for iconic products like the Samba and Yeezy Boost sneakers, and maintains deep ties to sports culture through collaborations with world-renowned figures such as Lionel Messi and Pharrell Williams, alongside a strong commitment to sustainability.