A panel of high profile judges led by actress Franka Potente, and including other celebrities such as Faithless front-man Maxi Jazz, world-class athlete Tim Lobinger, football-star Daniel van Buyten, acting shooting star Doreen Dietel and PUMA spokesperson Ulf Santjer will select the final dozen in April.

In May the 12 Adoptees will embark on a multi-city European tour. Here they will promote their home country in a unique and personal manner, helping to dispel myths and project a more realistic image of Germany. The Adoptees will record their exploits by personal blogs allowing them to interact with the citizens of the world and generate excitement and interest in Germany and this summer’s tournament. People all over the world will be able to decide which of the 12 they would like to “adopt” as their German.

Their final ambassadorial duties will be at the World Cup itself where they will take up permanent residence at Café MosKau, the PUMA hospitality house in Berlin. Here they will be available to meet and greet their newfound friends and fans at a series of events.

PUMA spokesperson, Ulf Santjer: “As the eyes of the world turn to Germany summer, the country will see hundreds of thousands of visitors. PUMA wants to help welcome these visitors and at the same time address some misconceptions about the country and its people.”

Casting Cube Adoptee Application Tour Dates:

The search criteria for the adoptee demands nothing other than a personality and a desire to keep the world entertained with anecdotes and updates on what their city and their country has to offer. Germans will be able to apply via visiting PUMA Casting Cubes at each of the following cities:

23. Feb LEIPZIG Augustusplatz
27. Feb HAMBURG Spitalerstraße 22
28. Feb NUREMBERG Jakobsplatz
01. March MUNICH Theatinerstraße 1 (PUMA Concept Store)
02. March STUTTGART Koenigsstraße 21 (PUMA Concept Store)
06. March FRANKFURT Zeil 72-82 (PUMA Concept Store)
07. March KAISERSLAUTERN Schillerplatz
08. March COLOGNE Schildergasse 107-109 (PUMA Concept Store)
09. March HANOVER Steintorplatz
13. March BERLIN Rosenthaler Straße 40-41 (PUMA Concept Store)

Germans can also apply by visiting www.adoptagerman.com

The final 12 adoptees will be announced in April.

B-Roll footage and images from the launch available at www.thenewshub.co.uk and www.thenewsmarket.com