In 2000, adidas took over the Champions League contract, initially supplying the match balls for the semi-finals and final in 2001 alone. But what a ball! It introduced the world to the iconic star design, inspired by the UEFA Champions League, a look that would endure for the next 20 years. During that time, it has become synonymous with the competition, and now, two decades on, adidas is celebrating its status and impact with the launch of the Finale Istanbul 21, which brings together 20 years of footballing memories in a single ball.
Almost every year, the colours and designs have changed. This year will be no different: a mix of silver tones will feature during the group stage, taking over the best stadiums and appearing on team shirts across the continent. The design of next season’s ball aims to break with the monotony of the history of Champions League footballs. Whereas last year’s ball featured multicoloured hexagons and white stars in phases, the tables have now turned. Now the hexagons will be the ones sporting a bold colour, whilst the stars will remain white.
Champions Istanbul 2021 ball
The Finale Istanbul 21 features all the designs from the last 20 UEFA Champions League finals, weaving the past and present together in a high-performance ball. Slim red lines mark each year and each city, whilst small embossed stars across the surface complete the unique, celebratory look. The ball continues to offer control, aerial stability and a secure grip through thermally bonded hexagonal panels, overlapping stars and a textured coating. By incorporating sustainable adhesive, the ball provides a seamless surface and an improved first touch for even greater precision on the pitch.
Technologically speaking, this ball is somewhat of a continuation of previous models, characterised by its thermally sealed, seamless surface. It has been designed to give players more precise control and to prevent water absorption. The main difference from last year’s model lies in the details, with the stars now slightly overlapping one another.
Although there’s a clear star of the show in this launch, adidas footballs are known for offering a wide range of prices and options, as you can see. It’s clear that, year after year, adidas shows us just how imaginative they are, offering us innovative and groundbreaking designs. What do you think of this new colourway for the new Champions League ball?
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