The television campaign was created by Amsterdam-based independent 180 and the print work was by TBWA\Chiat Day, and both use what Adidas is describing as its mantra: "Impossible Is Nothing".
The first television ad, "the long run", debuts in the US today and uses footage shot of Ali in 1974 when he was training in what was Zaire, now The Congo, for the "Rumble in the Jungle", showing him going on an early morning run ahead of his fight with George Foreman.
But his original companions have been replaced by other sporting heroes. Joining Beckham, Greene and Zidane are the legendary long-distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, basketball player Tracy MacGrady, swimmer Ian Thorpe and Ali's daughter Laila, who is also a boxer.
The voiceover, which is provided by another of Ali's daughters, Hannah, says:
Some people listen to themselves,
Rather than listen to what others say.
These people don't come along very often.
But when they do
They remind us
That once you set out on a path
Even though critics may doubt you,
It's OK to believe ...
That there is no can't, won't or impossible.
They remind us that it's OK to believe ...
Impossible is nothing.
Two subsequent television spots will expand on the message. In one, a 60-second ad, Laila Ali will get into the ring with her father when he was in his prime. The other shows the skateboarder Stacy Kohut, who lost his legs in accident but continues to skateboard using his wheelchair.
The ads were directed by Lance Acord through Park Pictures. He has worked as director of photography on films such as 'Being John Malkovich' and 'Adaptation', as well as the Beastie Boys video 'Sabotage'.
The copywriter on the ads was Richard Bullock and the art director was Dean Maryon. Special effects were through Digital Domain in Venice, California.
Erich Stamminger, member of the executive board of Adidas-Salomon responsible for global marketing and president of Adidas America, said: "'Impossible Is Nothing' is the spirit behind our brand positioning 'forever sport' that clearly and emotionally communicates our passion for sport.
"As an athlete you always strive to go further, break new ground and surpass your limits. So do we as a brand, to complete our mission to be the leading sports brand in the world."
The campaign will run in more than 50 markets across the world and is due to hit Europe in March.
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