As the UEFA European Championships 2024™ in Germany reaches its climax, adidas has revealed the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball, set to take center stage in the highly anticipated semi-finals and final matches. This new ball is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of the tournament’s pinnacle, blending innovative technology with a design deeply rooted in German heritage.
Design and Inspiration: A Tribute to Germany and the Finals
The Fussballliebe Finale is a visually striking evolution of the group stage ball, retaining the iconic wing shapes but amplifying them with dynamic black, red, and gold accents. These colors are unmistakably those of the German flag, paying homage to the host nation. This design choice is particularly poignant as Euro 2024 marks the first time a single nation has hosted the tournament since 2016, making the German influence even more significant.
Replacing the white base of the group stage ball, the Finale version boasts a captivating silver hue. This silver is not merely aesthetic; it’s symbolic of the coveted silverware awaiting the final four teams competing in the Euro Finals 2024. Adidas has meticulously developed this silver color, rigorously testing it with athletes to ensure it offers optimal on-pitch visibility without causing distracting light reflection. This thoughtful design element underscores the ball’s significance in these crucial, high-stakes matches.
Technological Innovation at the Heart of the Euro Finals 2024
The Fussballliebe Finale is more than just a visually appealing ball; it’s a technological marvel. It proudly stands 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 merging player position data with advanced AI, this technology significantly contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside system, proving invaluable in supporting critical in-match decisions throughout the tournament and especially in the Euro Finals 2024.
Beyond aiding officials, this technology elevates the fan experience. Viewers gain access to accurate, in-play data, including measurements of ball speed, spin, and the distance traveled when a goal is scored. This enhanced data integration offers fans a deeper understanding and appreciation of the game’s dynamics during the Euro Finals 2024.
Furthering its technological prowess, the ball features a groundbreaking CTR-CORE within its construction. This core is engineered to maximize accuracy and consistency, maintaining optimal shape and air retention throughout intense match play. Complementing this is the PRECISIONSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin. This skin incorporates both micro and macro textures and is structured with a 20-piece panel shape. This combination is meticulously designed to enhance aerodynamics, providing players with superior control and performance during the Euro Finals 2024.
A Word from adidas: Celebrating Football and Innovation
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at adidas, encapsulates the spirit behind the new 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 reflects on the tournament’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.” Her statement underscores adidas’ commitment to both the beautiful game and pushing technological boundaries within football, especially for an event as prestigious as the Euro Finals 2024.
The Matchball Plinth and Social Commitment
Adding another layer of artistry to the Euro Finals 2024, adidas has unveiled a brand-new matchball plinth for the semi-final and final pre-match ceremonies. Designed by Gonzales Haase AAS, a Berlin-based artistic duo, the plinth is crafted from anodized aluminum in a triangular prism shape. This prism is composed of 54 triangles, each representing one of the 54 UEFA associations that participated in the UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament and its qualifying rounds.
The FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball also reinforces adidas’ dedication to social responsibility. The company pledges to contribute 1% of net sales towards Common Goal, supporting initiatives that promote lasting social change in underserved communities, using football as a catalyst for a more inclusive future.
Priced at €150, the FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE Official Match Ball is available for purchase at adidas retail locations, select retailers, and online at adidas.com football balls.
For more information, visit adidas.com or follow @adidasfootball on Instagram or Twitter for further updates and conversations surrounding the Euro Finals 2024.
