In a thrilling celebration of dominance and legacy, Nike has unveiled The Legend of the Canarinha, a bold, horror-inspired animated short film, marking Brazil’s women’s national football team’s qualification for the South American final in Ecuador. This latest installment in Nike’s Scary Good campaign puts a powerful spin on classic fairy tales—where instead of damsels in distress, the Brazilian players are the ones who strike fear into their opponents.
Developed by Wieden+Kennedy São Paulo and brought to life by Dirty Work, the animation blends 90s-inspired visuals and stop-motion techniques to tell a new kind of legend. It showcases the raw intensity and unmatched skill of players like Kerolin, Angelina, and Gio, portraying them as formidable forces rewriting the history of women’s football with every match.
“Long ago, the continent saw a nightmare emerge,” begins the film’s haunting narration. “Winning 8 out of 9 Cups… Speed that tears up the field… Dribbles that scramble destiny.” With these lines, Nike frames the team’s legacy as a force of nature—past triumphs casting a shadow over their rivals, and their future even more formidable.
Gustavo Viana, marketing director at Fisia (Nike’s official distributor in Brazil), explains the campaign’s deeper message: “This film is an invitation for everyone to feel the power and legacy of our national team. Brazilian athletes don’t just make history—they shape the future of the sport.”
The Legend of the Canarinha is part of Nike’s broader effort to uplift women’s football and female athletes. Earlier in 2025, Nike launched the Scary Good campaign globally, encouraging players to embrace fearless creativity on the field. One standout from the campaign is Dribble to Survive, a short horror-themed film featuring Kerolin navigating a sinister game show powered by quick reflexes and flair.
In Brazil, fans got a taste of the magic through the Scary Good Station, an immersive experience held at São Paulo’s Parque Villa-Lobos. Open to the public from July 18 to 20, the event celebrated the talent and impact of players like Kerolin, Gio, and Angelina—aiming to inspire the next generation of young girls in love with the beautiful game.
With this campaign, Nike reaffirms its message loud and clear: If you have a body, you are an athlete. And if you’re wearing yellow, you’re rewriting history—one terrifyingly brilliant move at a time.
