EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas: What new technology does it contain? What is the design?

Thoughts of many nations - players, coaches and fans alike - have already started to ponder next summer’s competition as Germany prepares to host EURO 2024, the international tournament for those from the Old Continent. One item that we could not do without is the ball, and today, Wednesday 15 November, manufacturer Adidas gave it its much awaited official launch. Let’s take a look at what we’ve learned about it. Spoiler: it’s spherical in shape once again.

FUSSBALLLIEBE: the ball for EURO 2024

What does FUSSBALLLIEBE mean?

Today’s grand unveiling event in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin saw Adidas introduce the world to FUSSBALLLIEBE, the official match ball for UEFA EURO 2024. The name, which translates to ‘love of football,’ is said to perfectly encapsulate the spirit behind the ball’s design, engineered to enhance precision and celebrate the joy of the beautiful game.

Clearly most people will treat the ‘technological advances’ associated with what is effectively just a ball with some cynicism, but I rather like all the hype that goes with the launch so let’s get stuck in. It is said to bring ‘innovation and connectivity to the field’ and for the first time in the history of the tournament Adidas has incorporated what is called ‘Connected Ball Technology’ into it. It’s a move hailed as a watershed moment by Sam Handy, the company’s VP Product and Design. Well he would say that, wouldn’t he?

“When designing this Official Match Ball, we were inspired by the energy and diversity of the tournament and the love that Europe has for football,” Handy said. “With that in mind, we hope FUSSBALLLIEBE will bring joy wherever it’s kicked.”

Video - EURO 2024 ball “helping strikers and goalkeepers”:

What different about the EURO 2024 FUSSBALLLIEBE?

As Adidas explains (and we have to take their word for it until we get our free sample to test for ourselves) the ball’s design is a visual celebration of the tournament’s vibrancy, featuring prominent black wing shapes with colourful edges, curves, and dots. Bold red, blue, green, and orange hues pay homage to the competing nations, while illustrations of each tournament stadium and the host cities’ names adorn the ball’s surface.

FUSSBALLLIEBE’s precision is not just in its aesthetics but also in its engineering. The ball features a ‘PRECISIONSHELL’ 20-piece panel shape with deboss grooves, meticulously researched and tested for optimal airflow control. The groundbreaking CTR-CORE within the ball ensures accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention. Bellingham will love that!

But a potential game-changer with this ball is the aforementioned incorporation of Adidas Connected Ball Technology, which sends precise ball data to video match officials in real time. This innovation, developed in collaboration with Kinexon, contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology, enabling faster in-match decisions. Sounds good, right?

“We are, as always, confident that adidas’ FUSSBALLLIEBE will mark another stride in our shared dedication to excellence,” said Zvonimir Boban, UEFA Technical Director and Chief of Football.

And the ball is not only a triumph of technology but also a win for sustainability. FUSSBALLLIEBE is made from more bio-based substances than any previous Adidas Official Match Ball, featuring recycled polyester, water-based ink, corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber. Each layer has been adjusted to maintain performance while reducing environmental impact.

Where can I buy a EURO 2024 FUSSBALLLIEBE?

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From tomorrow, Thursday 16 November, Adidas will embark on a roadshow across the nine UEFA EURO 2024 host cities, spreading the joy they already feel of FUSSBALLLIEBE with pop-up pitches and ball giveaways. Each host city will receive 900 additional balls to donate locally to schools, football clubs, and other community initiatives.

For those of us not in Germany over the coming weeks, the ball is priced at €150 ($163) and is being made available for purchase in adidas retail stores, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com. As part of Adidas’ commitment to social responsibility, 1% of net sales from the ball will be contributed to Common Goal, supporting initiatives for under-served communities. Well, that makes the price tag slightly more palatable.