As the UEFA European Championships 2024™ in Germany reaches its climax, adidas has launched the spectacular FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball. This new Euro 2024 ball is designed specifically for the highly anticipated semi-finals and final, showcasing a striking evolution of the tournament’s iconic match ball.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE retains the beloved wing shapes from the group stage ball but amplifies its visual impact. The distinctive black wing patterns are now enhanced with vibrant edges, curves, and dots, drawing inspiration from the black, red, and gold of the German flag, the host nation. This bold design ensures the ball stands out on the pitch, capturing the energy of the final stages of Euro 2024.
A significant departure from the group stage ball is the replacement of the white base with a captivating silver hue. This metallic silver is not just for aesthetic appeal; it symbolizes the coveted silverware that the final four teams are fiercely competing for in Euro 2024. Adidas has meticulously developed this silver color, conducting rigorous testing with athletes to guarantee optimal on-field visibility without any distracting light reflection. This ensures players can track the Euro 2024 ball effortlessly under stadium lights and varying weather conditions.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE, first revealed at the Home of adidas Football in Berlin, marks a technological milestone as the first UEFA European Championships™ Final Official Match Ball to incorporate Connected Ball technology. This cutting-edge innovation provides real-time, precise ball data to video match officials. By combining player position data with advanced AI, this technology is instrumental in UEFA’s semi-automated offside system, playing a crucial role in supporting accurate in-match decisions throughout the Euro 2024 tournament.
Beyond assisting officials, the Connected Ball technology elevates the fan experience. Viewers can enjoy enhanced match insights through accurate measurements of in-play data, including ball speed, spin, and the total distance traveled when the Euro 2024 ball hits the back of the net. This rich data integration adds a new dimension to watching the games, providing deeper engagement and understanding of the on-field action.
Innovation extends to the core construction of this Euro 2024 ball. The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE features the groundbreaking CTR-CORE, engineered to maximize accuracy and consistency. This core design ensures superior shape and air retention throughout intense match play. Complementing the CTR-CORE is the PRECISIONSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin, featuring micro and macro textures. Combined with a 20-piece panel shape, this skin is meticulously crafted to enhance aerodynamics, providing players with optimal control and precision when handling the Euro 2024 ball.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas, emphasized the design philosophy behind the new Euro 2024 ball: “With this being the first UEFA European Championships™ hosted by a single nation since 2016, we wanted the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE to be heavily inspired by the iconic colors of the German flag. But to really stand out as the ball for the most decisive games, we’ve opted for a distinctive silver base that makes the ball almost embody the coveted trophy that all these great teams will be competing for.”
Störmann further reflected on the tournament’s progress and adidas’s role: “As we reflect on the tournament in its final stages, it’s been an honor to be part of bringing FUSSBALLLIEBE, the joy of football, to all the fans around Germany. This Euro 2024 ball is one that has also ushered in a new era of technical innovation to the UEFA European Championships™ through Connected Ball Technology. We can’t wait to see the new FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE ball in the deciding matches and wish all teams the best of luck as they compete to be the best team in Europe.”
Adding to the prestige of the final stages, adidas also revealed a brand-new match ball plinth designed for the semi-final and final pre-match ceremonies. Created by Gonzales Haase AAS, a Berlin-based artistic duo known for their innovative approach, the plinth is constructed from anodized aluminum in a triangular prism shape. This unique plinth comprises 54 triangles, each representing one of the 54 UEFA associations that participated in the UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament and qualification rounds, symbolizing the unity and widespread participation in Euro 2024.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball not only represents peak football innovation but also reinforces adidas’s commitment to social responsibility. Adidas will contribute 1% of net sales towards Common Goal, supporting initiatives that champion lasting social change for underserved communities. This contribution helps foster a better and more inclusive future through the power of football, aligning with the positive spirit of Euro 2024.
Priced at €150, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available for purchase now at adidas retail locations, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com football balls. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of Euro 2024 history and experience the innovation of the official final match ball.
For more information, visit adidas.com or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram and Twitter for live updates and behind-the-scenes content from Euro 2024. Join the conversation and celebrate the beautiful game with adidas.
