As the excitement builds for the climax of UEFA Euro 2024, adidas has launched the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball, set to take center stage in the highly anticipated semi finals and final in Germany. This new ball is a vibrant evolution of the FUSSBALLLIEBE, the official match ball used throughout the group stage, boasting a refreshed design that embodies the spirit of the host nation and the prestige of the final stages of the tournament.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE retains the iconic wing shapes from its predecessor but amplifies the visual impact with striking black, red, and gold accents – the unmistakable colors of the German flag. These vibrant edges, curves, and dots are set against a newly introduced eye-catching silver base, replacing the white from the group stage ball. This silver hue is not just for aesthetic appeal; it’s a deliberate choice to represent the coveted silverware that awaits the final four teams battling for European glory. Adidas meticulously developed and athlete-tested this silver color to ensure it stands out brilliantly on the pitch without causing distracting light reflections.
Unveiled at the Home of adidas Football in Berlin, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE marks a significant milestone as the first UEFA European Championships Final Official Match Ball to integrate 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 and swift in-match decisions throughout Euro 2024.
Beyond assisting officials, the Connected Ball technology enriches the viewing experience for fans worldwide. It delivers accurate, dynamic in-play data, including ball speed, spin rate, and distance traveled, offering viewers deeper insights into the game’s most exciting moments, like powerful shots and goals.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE is not just smart; it’s also engineered for peak performance. At its core is the CTR-CORE, a groundbreaking internal structure designed to maximize accuracy and consistency while ensuring optimal shape and air retention throughout intense match play. The ball’s outer skin, the PRECISIONSHELL, is crafted from polyurethane (PU) and features both micro and macro textures. This, combined with a 20-piece panel shape, is meticulously engineered to enhance aerodynamics, giving players superior control and precision.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas, highlighted the inspiration behind the ball: “With this being the first UEFA European Championships to be hosted by a single nation since 2016, we wanted the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE to be heavily inspired by the iconic colours 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 and the ball’s impact: “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 is also a ball that has brought 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 pre-match spectacle of the semi-finals and final, adidas has also revealed a brand-new match ball plinth. Designed by Berlin-based artistic duo Gonzales Haase AAS, this plinth is a triangular prism made from anodised aluminum. Comprising 54 triangles, it symbolizes the 54 UEFA associations that participated in the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament and its qualifying rounds, a testament to the pan-European nature of the competition.
Continuing its commitment to social responsibility, adidas will contribute 1% of the net sales of the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball to Common Goal. This initiative supports programs driving lasting social change in underserved communities, using football as a tool for a more inclusive and better future.
Priced at €150, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available for purchase now at adidas retail stores, selected retailers, and online at adidas.com football balls. Get ready to witness football history unfold with this innovative and visually stunning ball as the Euro 2024 Semi Finals approach.
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