The tradition continues: each major tournament finale is bestowed upon with a signature ball from the German giants, adidas, and they sustain their custom after officially unveiling this new design; to be the endorsed match ball in the glorious Allianz Arena come May.
This Finale Munich 12 ball is treated with adidas’ fresh White/Slime/Cyan/Indigo colourway – one which incites a rejuvenation of sorts. After initially leaking the images a few months ago, we were rather skeptical about the colours at first, but every time we look at it, we can’t help but admit that it really grows on us.
As with traditional adidas Champions League balls, the main colour employed is white – allowing any colour(s) to be used on those iconic star motifs that adorn the ball. In this case, it’s the zesty and fruity colours. It is certainly a visual improvement in comparison to the general match ball used in this campaign which was a bit of a disaster in the aesthetics compartment.
As far as the ball’s components and performance, it is identical to its less privileged brother: the standard adidas UEFA Champions League match ball. The texture of the ball is composed of adidas’ PSC material, designed to maximise control, power and swerve in all weather elements. This is an advancement from the “golf ball” influence seen on the previous match ball used throughout the 2010/11 Champions League campaign.
The ball itself has been branded with FIFA’s highest quality rating which takes into account the shape, size retention, water uptake and weight. Essentially, every match ball churned out by adidas is endowed with this seal of approval due to their proficiency in the engineering department. The Germans are world leaders in that department, that’s for sure.
For several years now, the panels on official match balls (which can be bought of course) have been thermally bonded in order to amplify the quality and general lifespan of the ball. The thermally bonded panels also nullifies the requirement of stitching and seams which was the main culprit in ball wear and tear in previous years gone by. This also means that the ball is as perfectly aerodynamic – for now – as it can possibly be; enhancing its flight trajectory as well as efficiency in terms of striking the ball… not that it aids Fernando Torres!
Although we’re sure that a few of our eagle-eyed viewers have spotted it already, adidas have added a touch of heritage to this ball by inscribing the names of the previous final locations and stadia within every white panel. Also worth noting is the fact that the trophy on the ball is designed in the same pattern of the exterior of the extravagant stadium.
If our sources are indeed correct, expect to see this exclusive ball in the knockout stages… almost negating the “exclusive” aspect of it. adidas never pulled this card out on us before, so perhaps they are aiming to enhance their sales margins by debuting it on February 14th as opposed to the actually final which is May 19th? Either way, it will still cost around £82 from official retailers.
Regardless, it will still be in the spotlight of the Allianz Arena – wait, for the final itself, the stadium will be officially addressed as the ”Fußball-Arena München”. For those raising an eyebrow or two, this is due to UEFA and their sponsorship regulations; they refuse to acknowledge or officially represent any sponsor not recognised by themselves.
There you have it: the adidas UEFA Champions League Finale Munich 12 ball in the invigorating White/Slime/Cyan/Indigo colourway. We for one prefer it to the rather bland and “familiar” ball used in London’s Wembley Stadium for last year’s extravagant final. Maybe the ”Fußball-Arena München” will sport the ball’s colours on its breathtaking luminous exterior in May? We’ll hope for that, but more importantly, what do you think of the ball?
I really like the star patterned balls.
Very nice.