Some champions don’t just live on in our memories. They live on the walls. From Marseille to Buenos Aires, from Bondy to Naples, artists from around the world have chosen to pay tribute to the greatest legends of sports on the facades of the cities where they grew up or triumphed. PALM is part of this tradition: in particular, our team created the murals Karim Benzema in Bron. Here’s an overview of the most striking murals featuring French and international athletes.
Summary
Zinédine Zidane – Marseille, La Castellane
This artwork was created in September 2022 by the Muz Mural Media collective, graffiti artist Crapule 2000, and Jackson. It pays tribute to Zinédine Zidane, a legend of French soccer. Located in the Castellane neighborhood of Marseille, where he grew up, it honors his inspiring journey from this neighborhood to the pinnacle of world sports. The artwork, which is still visible today, blends graffiti style with realistic portraiture, symbolizing the rise of a local boy who became an icon.
Kylian Mbappé – Bondy
This murals , created by Global Street Art in December 2019, features Kylian Mbappé. Located in Bondy, it celebrates the young man from the neighborhood who has become an international soccer star. Commissioned by Nike, the murals depicts a young Mbappé dreaming of soccer. Above him, a larger-than-life image of Mbappé in the French national team jersey serves as a reminder of his rise, both socially and athletically.
Karim Benzema – Bron
The mural, shown in the introductory image, was created by Artup on November 11, 2022, in Bron (Lyon Metropolitan Area). It pays tribute to Karim Benzema, an iconic figure in soccer who began his career with Olympique Lyonnais before going on to play for the national team. Created by PALM, the 40-meter-high mural illustrates, in particular, his inspiring journey from Olympique Lyonnais to Real Madrid, summed up by the messages “Grow up here, become a legend” and “Impossible is nothing.” As a result, the player stands out as a true source of inspiration for young people.
Read more: Adidas X Artup – murals Benzema murals in Bron
Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio, Texas
Created in October 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, this 3. murals features Victor Wembanyama. The young French NBA prodigy is depicted alongside landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. Located in the Mark’s Outing neighborhood, the mural celebrates his arrival with the San Antonio Spurs and his status as a symbol of hope for basketball worldwide, while also honoring his French roots.
Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles
This murals, painted by Jonas Never in January 2020 in Los Angeles, commemorates Kobe Bryant in a triumphant pose, wearing a Lakers jersey with the number 24. Located in the city where he shone, it has become a spontaneous gathering place for fans, symbolizing his lasting impact on local and global culture, as well as on the history of basketball.
Pelé – Santos
This murals, created by Eduardo Kobra in 2020 in Santos, Brazil, depicts Pelé wearing the Santos FC jersey—the club of which he is the icon. Located in the city where he was born and raised, the murals tribute to the “King of Soccer.” Still intact, it honors the sports legend and his cultural impact, proudly celebrating his Brazilian heritage.
Muhammad Ali – Ivry-sur-Seine and Louisville
Two major murals pay tribute to the legend Muhammad Ali. One is on a wall in Ivry-sur-Seine, created by Vinci Vince in 2017; the other was created by Shepard Fairey and the Obey Giant collective in 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.
In the first photo, he is shown in a fighting stance, wearing red gloves and with a determined look on his face. In this working-class neighborhood of Île-de-France, the message “The fight continues” serves as a reminder that the struggle for justice and excellence—values dear to Ali—remains more relevant than ever.
The second murals, in the United States, measures 18 meters and highlights the champion’s values of peace, trust, and spirituality. Located in the heart of his hometown, it reminds the whole world that Ali’s message—“Everyone helps everyone”—continues to inspire.
Marcus Rashford – Manchester
This murals was painted by artist Akse P19 on November 10, 2020, on a wall in Withington, Manchester, England. It honors Marcus Rashford for his commitment to fighting child poverty during the pandemic. A quote is inscribed around the soccer player. It is taken from a letter he wrote to his 10-year-old self: “Take pride in knowing that your struggle will play the biggest role in your purpose.” ” However, in July 2021, after he missed a penalty kick in the Euro final, the murals vandalized. Nevertheless, it was immediately covered with messages of support from local residents.
Lionel Messi – Rosario
It dominates the urban landscape of Rosario, standing 14 meters tall and 8 meters wide. Painted by Marlen Zuriaga and Lisandro Urteaga in July 2021, it depicts Lionel Messi in his Albiceleste jersey, with his hand resting on his heart. The artwork thus symbolizes the player’s humility and deep connection to his roots. As a result, the mural has transformed a simple wall into a symbol of the famous player’s exemplary career.
Diego Maradona – Buenos Aires
It would be an oversimplification to focus on just one murals Diego Maradona, as there are hundreds scattered throughout Buenos Aires and Naples. Here are two of the most iconic works in his native country, Argentina.
The first one towers over the skyline of Ezeiza (Buenos Aires province). This murals , created by Maxi Bagnasco in 2021, pays tribute to the Argentine icon wearing the national team’s jersey. Located near the international airport, it continues to welcome travelers today with the player’s fighting spirit and passion. The abstract blue and white patterns evoke his unwavering connection to Argentine soccer.
The second, a massive 46 by 40-meter mural, overlooks the streets of Buenos Aires. Created by Martín Ron in October 2022, it depicts Maradona with his fist raised in a gesture of victory. The artwork embodies the boundless energy and spirit of the Pibe de Oro, who lives on in the hearts of the Porteños. It ultimately transforms a building into a symbol of the country’s passion for soccer.
These murals clearly demonstrate that a well-designed mural can transform a space, tell a story, and unite a community around a shared source of pride: great athletes. This is precisely what PALM offers to local governments and businesses that wish to establish a powerful narrative within their communities.
See also
