Beats headphones have long been popular for athletes. Often athletes are seen during warm-ups wearing the fashionable headphones. 

But you won't see World Cup soccer players warming up with Beats headphones on. That's because FIFA has banned them for licensing reasons and their deal with Sony.

Soccer players from all over the world cannot wear Beats headphones while inside World Cup stadiums or at media events.

Still, popular soccer stars like Neymar of Brazil, England's Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez of Uruguay have been seen wearing them as they get off their team busses. And that's a good thing for Beats, marketing experts say.

"When fans see World Cup athletes wearing Beats in their downtime, by choice, it has as much impact as seeing them lace their Adidas (boots) or sip a sponsored beverage," said strategist Ellen Petry Leanse, a former Apple and Google executive.

"Maybe more, actually -- Beats isn't a sponsor, so the message is more authentic and credible." 

Beats was recently acquired by Apple for $3 billion. The audio-focused company is known for its unique marketing methods.

In 2012, during the summer Olympics in London, the company sent thousands of pairs of free headphones to athletes including the U.S. basketball team. Panasonic was the official sponsor of those Olympics but Beats outsmarted them this time.

Beats officials weren't available for comment on the World Cup ban and their strategy at the Olympics.

But, perhaps Beats saw something like this coming because just days before the World Cup began they released a five minute YouTube video featuring soccer stars wearing Beats headphones. The video has already been seen by over 15 million people. The video is called "The Game Before the Game."

Sony is trying to sway players and fans to their brand. They issued all players in the World Cup a set of free headphones that they can take to games and media events, but very few players have been seen wearing them.

Watch "The Game Before the Game" Beats video below: