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Tomas Rosicky is the last of the 24 stars from Nike's brilliant 2002 World Cup 'Cage' advert to retire... we look back at the series that starred Elvis, Eric Cantona and skills galore

Related Topics: Nike, Inc.

It was the advert that managed to go viral in an age when social media hadn't even been invented.

Say 'The Cage' or 'Nike Cage' to any football fan above a certain age and they'll know precisely what you're talking about.

Nike's seminal series of adverts ahead of the 2002 World Cup were a masterclass in how to shift football boots, inspiring kids all over the world to emulate the array of dazzling flicks and tricks on display down the local park.

The star-studded cast of Nike's brilliant 'Cage' commercial for the 2002 World Cup
The star-studded cast of Nike's brilliant 'Cage' commercial for the 2002 World Cup
Of the 24 players featured in the commercials, Tomas Rosicky has become the last to retire
Of the 24 players featured in the commercials, Tomas Rosicky has become the last to retire
Former Arsenal midfielder Rosicky has just announced his retirement at the age of 37
Former Arsenal midfielder Rosicky has just announced his retirement at the age of 37

For those who don't remember, 'The Cage' was a secret three-a-side tournament held in a ship's hull, refereed by Eric Cantona to a banging Elvis Presley soundtrack and starring 24 of the greatest footballers of the time, from Ronaldinho to Paul Scholes, Luis Figo to Thierry Henry.