My Most Immortal Ad: Vicki Maguire on Nike's Parklife

Nike - Parklife

This is one of my favourite ads. Of all freaking time. Yes, still. I first wrote these words in 2020, when I was asked the same question. My opinion hasn’t changed. But that’s the point of the Immortals, right?

I was on my first placement and wading through a ton of Femcare radio ads. I was about to tell my bosses they could shove their tampon briefs up their arse, so to speak, then this came out.

I fell in love with advertising all over again. The pure joy of this ad still takes my breath away. Yes the format is dated, yes the haircuts are ridic, but look at the young Cantona's face. They’re playing for the thrill of it. It still gives me chills.

Yes, Guinness 'Surfer' cost more, Superhumans had a better track (arguably), and Cog is better choreographed… but this ad changed the game. Nike was a basketball brand before this. And, come on, I defy you to watch a better six-second opening shot than egg cracking pan.