EURO 2024
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas: What new technology does it contain? What is the design?
The summer of 2024 will see Europe’s top national teams battle it out in Germany with this ball, looking to take on the crown from Italy.
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.”
More about EURO 2024:
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.
In pictures: EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- German national soccer team goalkeeper Manuel Neuer poses with the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- A lettering reads 'Love of football' during the presentation of the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- Bjorn Gulden, CEO of Adidas poses with the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- German national soccer team goalkeeper Manuel Neuer poses with the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- A man takes a picture of the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- German former national soccer player Philipp Lahm poses with the official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- A giant official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Presentation of the official match ball of UEFA Euro 2024
Berlin (Germany), 15/11/2023.- The official match ball of the UEFA Euro 2024 is presented during a special event in Berlin, Germany, 15 November 2023. Germany will host the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament from 14 June to 14 July 2024. (Alemania) EFE/EPA/FILIP SINGER
Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball
Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball - Maifeld, Berlin, Germany - November 15, 2023 Former footballers Celia Sasic and Philipp Lahm with the Euro 2024 match ball 'Fussballliebe' during the presentation REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
German former football player Philipp Lahm, also head of Germany's 2024 European Championship organizing committee, holds the official ball on November 15, 2023 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball
Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball - Maifeld, Berlin, Germany - November 15, 2023 General view of a giant replica of the Euro 2024 match ball 'Fussballliebe' REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper of the German national football team, holds the official ball on November 15, 2023 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
Celia Sasic (R), UEFA EURO 2024 tournament ambassador, holds the official ball as she talks with Manuel Neuer, goalkeeper of the German national football team, on November 15, 2023 at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas JUDE BELLINGHAM
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas JUDE BELLINGHAM
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas JUDE BELLINGHAM
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas PEDRI
EURO 2024 new ball revealed by Adidas PEDRI
Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball
Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Organisers Present the Official Match Ball - Maifeld, Berlin, Germany - November 15, 2023 Valentina Marceri, Sam Handy, Vice president design Adidas football, Germany's Manuel Neuer, former footballer Celia Sasic, former footballer Philipp Lahm and Bjorn Gulden, CEO of Adidas pose with the Euro 2024 match ball 'Fussballliebe' during the presentation REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
The official ball is pictured on November 15, 2023 in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
The official ball is pictured on November 15, 2023 in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
The official ball is pictured on November 15, 2023 in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
The official ball is pictured on November 15, 2023 in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
The official ball is pictured on November 15, 2023 in front of the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, during an event organised by sports equipment maker Adidas to present the official ball for the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
Where can I buy a EURO 2024 FUSSBALLLIEBE?
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.