The excitement is building as Euro 2024 approaches, with 24 nations set to compete for continental glory in Germany. The tournament kicks off on June 14 and concludes with the final at Olympiastadion Berlin on July 14.
Host nation Germany will kick off the group stage by playing the first match against Scotland at the Allianz Arena, using the official match ball FUSSBALLLIEBE for the first time.
The Special Features of FUSSBALLLIEBE
Unveiled last November by Euro 2024 tournament director Philipp Lahm and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, “FUSSBALLLIEBE” – German for “love of football” – has a design that aims to inspire the joy of football and the energy of the tournament. The use of bold colors celebrates the vibrance of each competing nation.
The ball features improved deboss grooves for greater precision in play and the most significant feature is the Connected Ball Technology. Each match ball will contain a rechargeable microchip that can detect up to 500 movements per second and send accurate ball data to video assistant referees (VAR) in real-time, helping officials make faster offside and handball decisions.
Also, Adidas stated that “Combining player position data with AI, the innovation contributes to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology and will be key to supporting faster in-match decisions.”
Fussballliebe features a Precisionshell 20-piece panel shape with a polyurethane (PU) skin for enhanced aerodynamics. It also has a CTR-CORE designed for accuracy, consistency, and maximum shape and air retention.
Sustainable Materials Used in FUSSBALLLIEBE
The Fussballliebe ball by Adidas is crafted from more sustainable bio-based materials, including corn fibers, wood pulp, sugar cane, and rubber.
Sam Handy, Vice President of Product and Design for Adidas Football, said, “When designing this official match ball, we were inspired by the energy and diversity of the tournament and the love that Europe has for football. With that in mind, we hope Fussballliebe will bring joy wherever it’s kicked.”
Zvonimir Boban, UEFA technical director and chief of football, added, “We are, as always, confident that Adidas’ Fussballliebe will mark another stride in our shared dedication to excellence.”
Purchasing FUSSBALLLIEBE
Its now available for purchase in selected Adidas retailers and on their official website. One percent of net sales will be contributed to Common Goal, a charitable movement that uses football to tackle social issues.
The official match ball, Fussballliebe, is available for purchase at the price of £130. However, a more affordable option, “Fussballliebe League Football,” is available for £35.
