adidas was founded in 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Germany, by Adolf "Adi" Dassler, who established the company after parting ways with his brother Rudolf, with whom he had previously co-founded a shoe-making business. Initially, adidas specialized in athletic footwear, gaining prominence through innovations that notably contributed to the West German national team's victory in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. Throughout the decades, the company secured endorsement agreements with renowned athletes, including David Beckham and Lionel Messi, further elevating its international profile. adidas has also collaborated with influential designers and brands, notably Stella McCartney, Yohji Yamamoto, and Pharrell Williams, expanding its presence within sportswear and contemporary fashion.