BBC's Euro 2024 Pinball World Is a Feast for the Eyes

With that joyful madness that is a summer of European football on the horizon, BBC Creative have crafted a manic pinball world crammed with footballing easter eggs to mimic the unpredictable nature of the tournament itself. 

The 40 second trail, created with BlinkInk and directed by Balázs Simon and Raman Djafari, is a lovingly crafted 3D pinball world dressed with incredible bespoke 2D illustrations from Spanish illustrator, Kristina Doraura.

Set to a backdrop of iconic landmarks from the host nation Germany, we follow the ball as it pings through the machine, where we ricochet back and forth between the biggest names in European football. From Kane, Bellingham, Robertson and McTominay to Musiala, Ronaldo and De Bruyne. These twists and turns make up a film that will not only be a promo for the tournament, but its opening titles across all of the BBC’s television coverage of the event which starts on 14th June.

Soundtracked by an instrumental version of Nothing But Thieves track ‘Welcome to the DCC’, the pinball world pings, clatters and clanks with sound design from GAS. Topped off with archival and bespoke commentary from famous BBC commentators like Guy Mowbray, Vicki Sparks, Steve Wilson, Liam McLeod, James McFadden and Robyn Cowen. 

Rasmus Smith Bech, executive creative director, BBC Creative says, “With all its action, emotion and unexpected previous winners, The Euros is more unpredictable than most international tournaments. A giant, mad Euros pinball machine felt like the appropriate canvas to bring that beautiful excitement to life.” 

The ad and the wider campaign to come will play across BBC channels and socials. The hero 40 second film premiered during the BBC’s coverage of the FA Cup final on Saturday (25th May).