The 2024 European Championship semifinals are set, with Spain, France, Netherlands, and England vying for the title. Spain and England will face each other in consecutive semifinals, adding to the tournament’s excitement. Adidas has unveiled a new ball, the ‘FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE,’ specifically for the tournament’s last three matches – the semifinals and the final. This ball is an improved version of the one used throughout the tournament.
The ‘FUSSBALLLIEBE FINALE’ boasts a striking silver base, replacing the standard white, symbolizing the silverware the four teams are battling for. The ball’s design incorporates a core called CTR-CORE, aiming to enhance accuracy and consistency through optimized shape and air retention. A PRECISIONSHELL polyurethane (PU) skin, featuring micro and macro textures, and a 20-piece panel shape contribute to improved aerodynamics.
According to Adidas, the silver color was carefully developed and tested with athletes to ensure visibility on the pitch without causing glare. This ball is the final official matchball to feature Connected Ball technology, providing real-time data to video match officials. This technology, coupled with Artificial Intelligence and player position data, powers UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology, crucial for making accurate in-match decisions. It also enhances the fan experience by displaying precise in-play data like ball speed, spin, and distance traveled.
Solène Störmann, Global Category Director for Football Hardware at Adidas, commented on the design inspiration: “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.”
