As excitement builds for UEFA EURO 2024TM in Germany, adidas has revealed the official match ball that will grace every game of the tournament: the FUSSBALLLIEBE. This ball isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a fusion of cutting-edge technology and a deep-seated love for the beautiful game, promising to elevate the action on the pitch and connect fans even closer to the heart of Euro 2024. The “Euro 2024 Ball”, as it will undoubtedly be known by fans worldwide, is designed to be more than just round; it’s engineered for precision, crafted for passion, and embedded with smart technology.
What is FUSSBALLLIEBE?
FUSSBALLLIEBE, a German word translating to ‘love of football’, perfectly encapsulates the spirit adidas aims to inject into UEFA EURO 2024TM. More than just a name, it represents the fervent passion for football that will envelop Germany and the global audience watching. This official match ball marks a significant milestone as the first to incorporate adidas Connected Ball Technology at the UEFA European Football ChampionshipTM, signaling a new era of data-driven insights in elite football.
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Engineered for Precision and Performance
The FUSSBALLLIEBE “euro 2024 ball” is meticulously engineered to enhance accuracy and consistency in every pass, shot, and save. The ball’s PRECISIONSHELL panel shape, consisting of 20 pieces, works in harmony with strategically placed deboss grooves on the outer shell. This sophisticated design was developed through rigorous research and testing, both in controlled laboratory settings and real-world pitch environments. The result is optimized airflow across the ball’s surface, granting players superior control and maximum precision in their play.
Complementing the outer shell is the innovative CTR-CORE technology housed within. This groundbreaking core is designed to provide unwavering accuracy and consistency during fast-paced, high-stakes gameplay. It ensures maximum shape and air retention, crucial for maintaining consistent performance throughout the 90 minutes and beyond, making it a truly high-performance “euro 2024 ball”.
A Design Inspired by the Heart of Football
Visually, the FUSSBALLLIEBE is a vibrant celebration of the beautiful game and the EURO 2024 host nation. The design is characterized by prominent black wing shapes that dynamically represent the movement of the ball in flight and the electrifying energy of football matches. These bold shapes are further accentuated with colorful edges, curves, and dots in red, blue, green, and orange.
This vibrant palette is not just for aesthetic appeal; it symbolizes the diverse nations competing in the tournament and the unifying simplicity of football that garners immense global love. Adding a unique local touch, illustrations of each of the EURO 2024 stadiums are subtly integrated into the ball’s design, alongside the names of the ten host cities across Germany, further connecting the “euro 2024 ball” to the tournament’s location and spirit.
Connected Ball Technology: A Game Changer
A groundbreaking feature debuting with the FUSSBALLLIEBE is the adidas Connected Ball Technology. For the first time at the UEFA European Football ChampionshipTM, the official match ball will transmit precise, real-time ball data to video match officials. This technological leap combines player position data with artificial intelligence, directly contributing to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology.
Developed in close collaboration with Kinexon, this innovation is pivotal in supporting faster and more accurate in-match decisions. The connected ball technology allows VAR officials to identify every touch of the ball, significantly reducing the time needed to resolve critical incidents like handballs and penalty decisions. This makes the “euro 2024 ball” a key component in ensuring fair play and accuracy at EURO 2024.
Key Features of FUSSBALLLIEBE
The FUSSBALLLIEBE “euro 2024 ball” is packed with features designed to optimize performance and integrate technology seamlessly:
- ADIDAS CONNECTED BALL TECHNOLOGY: At the heart of the ball is a suspension system housing a 500Hz inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion sensor. This advanced sensor provides unprecedented insights into every nuance of the ball’s movement. Powered by a rechargeable battery that supports inductive charging, this technology is at the forefront of football innovation.
- CTR-CORE: The core is meticulously tuned for accuracy and consistency, facilitating fast and precise play while ensuring maximum shape and air retention. It’s constructed from a zero-waste bladder made with renewable, natural rubber and a carcass of double-patched PES fabric for enhanced strength and shape integrity.
- PRECISIONSHELL: The ball’s outer skin is crafted from polyurethane (PU) and features both micro and macro textures across its 20-piece panel shape. This design significantly enhances aerodynamics, contributing to more stable and predictable flight paths.
- SUSTAINABLE BIO-BASED MATERIALS: Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, FUSSBALLLIEBE is constructed using more bio-based substances than any previous adidas Official Match Ball. Utilizing recycled polyester and water-based ink, the ball incorporates materials like corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and rubber in each layer, without compromising its elite performance standards.
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Spreading the Love of Football Across Host Cities
The unveiling of FUSSBALLLIEBE in Berlin was just the beginning. Adidas is extending the excitement to all nine other UEFA EURO 2024TM host cities with a roadshow. This initiative features pop-up, inner-city football pitches and ball giveaways, aiming to bring the joy of the tournament directly to fans. Each host city will also receive 900 additional balls for local donation to schools, football clubs, and other community initiatives, ensuring the legacy of the “euro 2024 ball” extends beyond the stadiums.
Commitment to Social Impact
Adidas continues its pledge to contribute 1% of global net sales from all adidas footballs to Common Goal. This ongoing commitment supports initiatives driving lasting social change in underserved communities, leveraging the power of football to build a more inclusive and equitable future. The “euro 2024 ball” is therefore not just about elite performance but also about making a positive impact.
Availability and Pricing
Priced at €150, the FUSSBALLLIEBE Official Match Ball is available for purchase now at adidas retail stores, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com. It’s important to note that while the retail version embodies the design and performance features, the specific adidas Connected Ball Technology version used in matches will not be available for commercial purchase.
In conclusion, the FUSSBALLLIEBE “euro 2024 ball” is more than just the official match ball of UEFA EURO 2024TM; it’s a symbol of innovation, precision, and the enduring love for football. With its groundbreaking technology and thoughtful design, it’s set to play a central role in what promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable tournament.
