Adidas has revealed the official match ball which will be used for the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League group stages. The German sportswear manufacturer has left the door open for a new design to be used in the knockout phase when that begins in 2017.
The graphic pattern features a few words from the Champions League elite players on what winning means to them. Handwritten missives feature a strong Real Madrid connection. Former star Mesut Özil, now of Arsenal, said “Play your life, I play mine”.
Current players also contribute. Welsh international Gareth Bale writes “being faster than a bullet”; Colombian James Rodriguez notes “la creatividad gana – creativity wins”; Finishing the sayings is German midfielder Toni Kroos who observed “controlling the game is everything”.
None of the clubs whose kit deals are with Nike are featured.
The ball comprises white panels interspersed with green stars. The pattern is similar to the UEFA Champions League competition logo.
Each of the stars contains an outer coating texture created to provide the best possible grip in any weather conditions. The seamless surface continues to improve the flight of the ball, giving a truer trajectory and bounce.
