Football Stars Bukayo Saka, Serge Gnabry and More 'Defy the Noise' in Beats by Dre Spot

Beats today releases a new campaign from Uncommon, 'Defy the Noise', that sheds light on the overwhelming pressure, expectation, and criticism that some of the greatest footballers face off the pitch, especially as they train and prepare for their most significant matches. 

Harsh judgement and commentary has always surrounded athletes in the spotlight, but with the rise of social media, this “noise” has become louder and more polarizing than ever before. And the greatest of athletes have learned how to defy the noise.

Utilising a mix of fast-paced shots of self-captured content and archival footage, the short film produced by Pulse highlights star footballers Bukayo Saka (England), Serge Gnabry (Germany), Kingsley Coman (France) and Ritsu Doan (Japan), and exposes the 'noise' they face.

Emerging as one of England’s most talented young footballers, Saka has grown on and off the pitch – with the 21-year-old showing immense courage to battle back from online hate. The question now remains whether he can defy the noise and prove the hype that surrounds him is real.

Gnabry has found himself foul of critics who have claimed he’s more interested in his appearance off the pitch rather than his commitment to the game.

Coman has overcome serious injuries and after missing out on the French’s triumph in 2018, is aiming to make amends come winter. 

Despite having experienced much at a young age in his football career, this is Doan’s first chance to step up for his team and his country at a time when the rest of the world has already written his country off as competition. 

The film premieres British rapper slowthai’s new single “i know nothing” featuring powerful lyrics which touch on the ills of social media and how it “distorts our perception of reality.”

Speaking about the message behind the track, slowthai said: “Social media can and should be used as a tool for connection and good but instead it serves to gloat and punch down. It fails to show the harsh reality we live in, which can lead to isolation and depression. Let’s lift each other up.”

The spot also features a number of notable cameos from the worlds of football, music, TV, and social media including: Fabrizio Romano, Ledley King, Joe Cole, Frimpon, Dotty Charles, Laura Woods, Anton Ferdinand, Alessia Russo, Mary Phillip, and Peckham Town FC.