February 3 – You can’t play the ‘beautiful game’ without a ball, and the game is littered with iconic and controversial balls. The Adidas Telstar and tango from the 1970 and 1978 World Cups are still considered the crown jewels with football aficionados while the Adidas Jabulani from 2010 was described by Brazilian goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, as “a ball you buy in a supermarket”.
Adidas, FIFA’s long-time sponsor has now unveiled the official match ball of the 2025 Club World Cup, and while it has no official name at the moment the jury on its performance will be out until the first ball is kicked when Inter Miami opens the tournament this summer.
The ball is designed to represent elements of the American flag, with the deconstructed red, white, and blue stars and stripes set over a pearlescent background. As per standard with modern balls, technology is front and centre as the 20-panel ball features ‘debossed grooves’ and ‘CTR-CORE’ technology designed to “enhance accuracy and consistency in flight and helps to retain maximum shape and air retention.”
The ball also contains intelligence to transmit data to the video-assistant-referee system “at a rate of 500 times per second, in real-time.” With this feature, Adidas says that the ball will help referees make quicker and more accurate decisions.
Sam Handy, GM Adidas Football, said: “We wanted to create a ball which pays tribute to the USA’s infamous sporting culture and fandom. With this came a clear ambition to create something bold, loud, iconic, and unmistakably American. It’s a true celebration of the host nation and we’re excited to see it perform on the world’s biggest stage this summer.”
The Official Match Ball upholds Adidas’ commitment to contribute 1% of net sales towards Common Goal, supporting initiatives that drive lasting social change for under-served communities, helping to create a better and more inclusive future through football.
The ball isn’t coming cheap though, flying through the air at €160.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1738574979labto1738574979ofdlr1738574979owedi1738574979sni@o1738574979fni1738574979