Today, adidas has officially launched the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE, the striking new Official Match Ball set to take center stage at the semi-finals and final of the UEFA European Championships 2024™ in Germany. This ball is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of the culmination of Europe’s premier football tournament, the Final Euro matches that fans worldwide eagerly anticipate.
Building upon the visually dynamic design of the group stage ball, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE boasts a refreshed aesthetic. The iconic black wing shapes are now enhanced with vibrant edges, curves, and dots, drawing inspiration from the unmistakable black, red, and gold of host nation Germany. This design celebrates the spirit of the tournament and the host country as the competition reaches its climax.
A significant departure from the group stage ball is the replacement of the white base with a captivating silver. This shimmering silver is more than just a color; it’s a deliberate representation of the coveted silverware awaiting the final four teams battling for the final Euro title. Adidas has meticulously developed and rigorously tested this silver hue with athletes to ensure optimal on-pitch visibility, eliminating any light reflection that could hinder player performance. This attention to detail underlines the ball’s purpose: to perform at the highest level during these crucial final Euro games.
Unveiled at the Home of adidas Football in Berlin, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE marks a technological milestone as the first UEFA European Championships™ Final Official Match Ball to incorporate Connected Ball technology. This groundbreaking innovation provides video match officials with precise, real-time ball data. By seamlessly integrating player position data with advanced AI, this technology significantly contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside system. Throughout the tournament, this feature has played a vital role in supporting accurate and efficient in-match decisions, ensuring fairness and precision during these high-stakes final Euro matches.
Beyond assisting officials, Connected Ball technology elevates the fan experience. Viewers gain access to accurate, in-play data, including ball speed, spin, and the distance traveled before hitting the net. This enhanced data stream provides fans with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game’s dynamics, making watching the final Euro games even more engaging.
The innovations extend beyond connectivity. The ball features a revolutionary core called CTR-CORE, engineered to maximize accuracy and consistency. This core ensures superior shape and air retention, crucial for maintaining consistent performance throughout the intense final Euro matches. Complementing the CTR-CORE is the PRECISIONSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin. This skin incorporates micro and macro textures and a 20-piece panel shape, meticulously designed to optimize aerodynamics. These features combine to deliver exceptional flight and control, essential for players striving for victory in the final Euro showdown.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas, commented: “As the first UEFA European Championships™ hosted by a single nation since 2016, we aimed for the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE to strongly reflect the iconic colors of the German flag. To truly distinguish it as the ball for the decisive games, we chose a striking silver base, making the ball almost a representation of the coveted trophy these top teams are competing for in the final Euro.
Reflecting on the tournament’s final stages, we are honored to have contributed to bringing FUSSBALLLIEBE, the joy of football, to fans across Germany. This ball also marks a new era of technical innovation for the UEFA European Championships™ through Connected Ball Technology, enhancing the experience of the final Euro for everyone.
We eagerly anticipate seeing the new FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE ball in these crucial matches and wish all teams the best as they compete to be crowned the best team in Europe in this final Euro.”
Adding to the prestige of the final Euro matches, adidas has also unveiled a brand-new match ball plinth for the Semi-Final and Final pre-match ceremonies. Designed by Gonzales Haase AAS, a Berlin-based artistic duo known for their innovative and boundary-pushing designs, the plinth is crafted from anodized aluminum in the form of a triangular prism. This prism is composed of 54 triangles, each symbolizing one of the 54 UEFA associations that participated in the UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament and qualification rounds. This plinth serves as a fitting stage to showcase the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE before the final Euro games.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball underscores adidas’ ongoing commitment to social responsibility. 1% of net sales will be contributed to Common Goal, supporting initiatives that promote lasting social change within underserved communities. This commitment aims to build a better and more inclusive future through football, extending the positive impact of the final Euro beyond the pitch.
Priced at €150, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available for purchase starting today at adidas retail stores, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com football balls https://www.adidas.de/en/football-balls.
For more information, please visit adidas.com or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram or Twitter for updates and to join the conversation surrounding the final Euro and this groundbreaking new match ball.
