Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by winus426

soccer-ball-brands

Are you looking for the best soccer ball brands in the world? There are so many soccer ball brands on the market that it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. It is important to research and find the best soccer ball brands in the world, no matter what kind of soccer ball you choose. You’ll be able to find the perfect ball for your game in no time with this list of the top 10 soccer ball brands in the world.

So without further ado, let’s check this out!

Adidas

The official World Cup ball is produced by Adidas, Since the 1970 World Cup in Mexico until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Adidas has consistently provided 14 World Cup match balls and is also a sponsor of Messi, Bale, and Torres.

Although Adidas started out making footwear and isn’t known for its footballs, its design capabilities, supply chain capabilities, and football expertise make the footballs produced by Adidas outstanding in appearance and performance.

The Adidas World Cup series is Adidas’ main product line, positioning itself toward mid-to-high-end products. The Al Rihla Pro will serve as the official football of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, while League, Training, and Club models are weaker versions.

As for appearance design, Al Rihla Pro uses pearlescent white as the background color, combined with vibrant and lively colors, which not only enhances the beauty of the football but also enhances the recognition of the football running. This model also adopts geometric spherical splicing technology and diamond-shaped concave texture, which can improve the football’s ball control accuracy and flight speed. Known as “the fastest-flying football in World Cup history”.

Apart from the liner material, all other materials and workmanship of Al Rihla Pro are of superior quality, including the environment-friendly PU fabric, the world’s most advanced thermal bonding technology, the spherical texture designed to assist ball control, and the scientific splicing design to achieve perfect performance.

As an example, let’s look at Al Rihla Pro’s weakened version of football. League is a replica league ball of Al Rihla Pro, instead of the original PU fabric and rubber bladder material, it uses a TPU skin and butyl liner. This model is cost-effective and suitable for professional football players. Training and Club models use machine-sewn technology, which is obviously weakened in waterproofness, and is suitable for amateur football fans. The club does not use a concave design, so the ball does not feel comfortable.

Aside from the World Cup series, Adidas’ official game balls every year are also worth noticing. There are two inspirations for the name and shape of the 2020 game ball. The first source is the wings of the “Yagatagarara” in Japanese mythology, and the second is Ozora in the “Captain Tsubasa” comic strip, whose sphere design is extremely artistic and attractive.

In terms of performance, the TSUBASA is essentially a small modification of the Telstar prototype. The ball is rounder and easier to control than the Telstar. It should be noted that there are three models of this ball, the game ball TSUBASA PRO, the co-branded model TSUBASA PRO T+K with Ozora Tsubasa’s cartoon image, and the replica version of TSUBASA LGE. The former two are match balls certified by FIFA Quality PRO, whereas the latter is a training ball certified by FIFA Quality. Be sure to pay attention when purchasing.

Molten

  • Origin: Japan
  • Year established: 1958
  • Website: moltenusa.com/soccer
  • Recommended model: Molten 5000

Molten is a professional ball game brand and seller based in Japan. Its main products include basketball, football, volleyball, handball, and other sports.

At present, Molten professional balls are produced at a rate of 7.5 million pieces per year, and they have a global market share of over 10%. Japan Molten Co., Ltd. was established in 1958, focusing on technology research and development as well as material selection.

Molten Football’s product line is relatively rich, with layouts in high, middle, and low-price segments. This football emphasizes waterproof performance, which is reflected in the excellent stitching process, waterproof spherical surface, and air nozzle design. Furthermore, Molten footballs are titled according to their model numbers, with higher model numbers representing higher prices and better performance, making purchasing easier for buyers.

The Molten 5000 and 4800 footballs are recommended for high-level use. Both have PU fabric and built-in foam to improve elasticity and foot feel, as well as FIFA QUALITY PRO certification. The main difference between the two balls is that the 5000 has a thermal bonding process, while the 4800 has a hand-sewing process. The thermal bonding process provides better waterproof performance than the hand sewing process. Fans with demanding waterproof requirements are recommended to use the 5000.

Molten’s hand-stitched footballs are mainly designed for mid-priced footballs. Many people have a misconception about hand-sewn footballs, believing that hand-sewn footballs aren’t as durable as machine-stitched footballs, but that’s not true. Hand-sewn footballs have thicker sutures, stronger toughness, and the sutures are not exposed, which can ensure that they reduce external wear; whereas machine-sewn football’s sutures are thinner, and they are exposed, which is easier to wear and tear over time. Most of Molten’s hand-stitched footballs are made in Pakistan, which is sufficient for most football fans’ waterproof needs. In this price range, two models are recommended: 3600 and 3200.

Molten’s 1700 football is Molten’s cheapest football with high performance. Due to the fact that the football is made from PVC fabric, the feel of the ball is relatively hard, but the hand-stitched process adds extra points. The ball has good durability, and it does not easily wear after prolonged use.

Mitre

Mitre is the oldest famous football brand in the world, founded in 1817 by British Benjamin. 

The ball became the official ball of the Premier League in 1992.

Its product line is very comprehensive, not only covering high, middle, and low-priced football but also carefully categorized according to age groups, venues, purposes, etc., which proves its professionalism.

As the UK has a temperate maritime climate and rain throughout the year, Mitre footballs place a premium on waterproof performance. The Delta series, for example, uses cutting-edge Hyperseam™ technology to produce its footballs. This is a combination of heat-bonded technology and machine sewing technology, reflecting not only the waterproofness of heat-bonded technology, but also the strength, accuracy, and comprehensive performance of machine sewing.

Mitre Football has a unique customization feature. Personalized is Maita’s signature customized football. Customers can customize their own names on the ball, and it comes in a special gift box. However, it has poor waterproofing and wear resistance. It, therefore, makes a better gift or collection item. A Star Wars graffiti series soccer ball is specially designed for children. There are many patterns to choose from and it comes with a gift box along with five color brushes and pumps. This is a very suitable gift for kids since it allows them to choose exclusive colors according to their preferences.

Star

  • Origin: Korea
  • Year established: 1965
  • Website: starsports.co.kr
  • Recommended model: SB225, SB375

Founded in 1965, it is a South Korean comprehensive sports goods company that produces traditional sports equipment, football shoes/sports protective gear, tennis rackets/badminton rackets/sports socks/sports bags/sports clothing, and other items for sports.

The Star football is known for its unique “star”-shaped pattern. Its football product line includes high, medium, and low prices, focusing mainly on low-to-medium-priced footballs with high performance. Star footballs are mostly stitched by hand. The ball skin, like Molten’s, is made of PU, but the PU of Star has greater wear resistance. Fans can choose according to their needs when buying.

SB225 and SB375 are popular options for middle-priced footballs. The difference between the two lies in the inner liner, SB225 is lined with latex and SB375 uses butyl. The latex liner has better elasticity than the butyl liner, so its price is twice that of the butyl liner. However, the latex liner does not have as good an airtightness as butyl, but it meets the FIFA air leakage standard. Fans seeking high levels of elasticity and feel can choose a football with a latex liner, while those seeking low levels of elasticity and who don’t want to frequently inflate the ball can choose a football with a butyl liner.

Star’s high-priced football is not cost-effective. For example, SB145A shares similar characteristics with Molten 5000, but SB145A uses hand sewing, while Molten 5000 utilizes thermal lamination, and Molten provides slightly better waterproof performance.

NIKE

The Nike brand is a global sportswear brand best known for its hook graphic trademark, which symbolizes speed, power, and speed and explosive power. Nike sponsors world-famous athletes such as Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Team France.

Nike was founded in 1972 but only entered the football field in 1994, whereas Adidas has been in football for more than 60 years. Nike lacks the technology and influence that Adidas possesses on the football field. With Nike’s continuous efforts in this field, this gap has narrowed, and Nike football is now used in many world-renowned competitions such as the Premier League.

As Nike changed the previous splicing structure of 12 pieces of ball leather into 4 pieces of hot-melted leather, and also adjusted the groove pattern to AerowSculpt’s three-dimensional V-shaped texture, using ACC 3D technology coating to reduce the impact of airflow interference, the flight stability has increased significantly.

With Nike Flight, Nike’s latest football series that retails for about USD150, they replace the previous splicing structure of 12 pieces of leather with 4 pieces that are melted together at the same time, and using an AerowSculpt three-dimensional V-shaped texture, as well as ACC 3D technology coating to reduce the impact of airflow interference, the flight stability has increased significantly. 

There are also several club football series from Nike Football, including Chelsea, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and many others. These footballs are machine-stitched, but the stitches are relatively fine, and the spherical surface is not grooved. It is a more practical and appropriate football game as a Collection. Those who like the star series may be interested in the Neymar-themed SC3503-728, which retains the groove design over a high-gloss spherical surface. The stitching is the same color as the surface, which can be used as a game ball and can also be collected.

Derbystar

  • Origin: Germany
  • Year established: 1968
  • Website: en.derbystar.de
  • Recommended model: APS version, Replica version

As one of the first football brands to use synthetic materials, Derby Star is known as a “technological monster” in the industry. During the early Bundesliga years before the balls were ununified, some teams selected Derby Star footballs for competition as a result of their good quality. After being acquired by Select in 1991, Derby Star further optimized product performance and replaced Adidas as the official sponsor of the league and Bundesliga for 18 and 19 seasons, respectively.

A traditional hand-stitched football consists of 32 inlays. This kind of spherical surface design was first used in Select. It is considered to be the best round skin structure in the early days of modern football development. Derby Star football is still constructed in this way today. As thermal bonding technology advanced, major brands produced spheres with fewer splicing surfaces, reducing Derbystar’s roundness advantage. But thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship and high-quality materials, this ball still performs well.

Derby Star’s main product is the Brillant series of footballs developed especially for the Bundesliga. In the 22/23 season, there will be two versions: the high-end APS version and the Replica version. The APS version is the official match ball of the Bundesliga, and all indicators have passed FIFA Quality Pro certification, while the Replica version is IMS certified.

In addition to traditional hand-sewing, Brillant APS also uses waterproof glue on its stitching, greatly improving its waterproof function. With its PU outer skin and natural latex inner liner, this ball bounces well, its three-dimensional friction texture adds superior control, and its performance is impeccable.

In the replica version, hand stitching and thermal bonding are used to improve the sphere’s roundness, making it run more smoothly and waterproof. In terms of durability, it is not as good as hand-stitched footballs, and the softness is also lower than the APS version due to the synthetic rubber lining. As a result, the foot feels less comfortable. The Brillant Replica also offers two lightweight models, Light and S-Light. While the specific configuration hasn’t changed, the weight has been reduced, resulting in about 350g and 290g respectively, which is ideal for teenagers or beginners.

PUMA

Founded in 1948 by Rudolph Dassler and Adolf Adidas, PUMA is a large multinational corporation that produces sportswear and shoes. Its limited sales strategy and trendy designs make PUMA one of the most popular brands in the world.

PUMA has relatively few football products. The product positioning is the same as the brand positioning. It pursues a trendy appearance. Not only is the pattern design cool, but the aluminum alloy film design of its skin also makes its football shine. There is a fly in the ointment: PUMA football pursues appearance, but product quality is relatively average. The soccer ball below USD50 is machine-sewn. The sutures are more exposed, and it’s easy to open after long-term use. The fabric is generally made of TPU, which isn’t as soft as PU, but it has better wear resistance. Conversely, Puma football has a cool appearance and a club pattern that are suitable for collection.

PUMA’s Orbita LaLiga 1 football is one of its few high-priced models, priced around USD100, nearly USD50 more than other PUMA balls. PUMA adopted thermal bonding technology to create the ball skin, with star-shaped leather blocks. This unique design reduces the number of spherical seams, while its concave and convex surface improves flight stability. This ball has similar indicators to Molten’s 5000 model, though it is more expensive. Although it has a unique, cool appearance, it is perfect for fans who like “face control”.

Decathlon

Founded in the late 1970s, Decathlon is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. With its own brand product line spanning more than 80 sports, and nearly 3,000 unique products available every year, Decathlon is known for its high quality and low prices. As of 2022, Decathlon has opened nearly 1,600 stores worldwide and has achieved good sales results both online and in-store.

KIPSTA is a sports sub-brand of Decathlon specializing in ballgames and related sports products. F950 has been certified FIFA Quality Pro and launched by KIPSTA in 2021. It is made with heat-bonding technology, with grooves and high-density rubber particles, and it is stable when shot and easy to control when dribbled. The outer layer is made of microfiber PU material with a 5mm foam cushioning inner layer, which is comfortable and delicate to the touch. 

Decathlon LIGUE 1 Uber Eats is the official ball for the 2022/23 season of Ligue 1. The official price is about £79.99. This model was modified on the basis of F950, but the overall design and structure are almost identical. Therefore, if your main concern is the overall performance of the ball and you don’t care about the appearance, you should choose the more affordable F950.

Also, Decathlon has launched a number of low-end models. These ball skins are made of PU and PVC materials, which have good grip and are stitched with the exclusive Hybrid hidden stitching process, which is resistant to friction and has excellent durability, which can withstand daily use.

KELME

  • Origin: Spain
  • Year established: 1963
  • Website: kelme.com/es

KELME is a well-known sports equipment brand in Spain, primarily involved in the production and sales of products associated with football. It is an official sponsor of one of the best soccer teams of all time, Real Madrid.

Footballs from KELME are mainly known for their low price and high quality. The 9886130 football is a machine-sewn model made of TPU material with fine embossing. Although the resilience is average, it has good wear resistance and controllability. In addition, 9886130 is equipped with a butyl liner that is airtight and hard. At the same time, it is wound with yarn for increased strength so that it is not easy to deform and leak during kicking. This model is affordable and suitable for casual training.

As part of KELME’s professional line of high-quality footballs, the 8101QU5005 features a leather surface stitched with a mixed technology, which increases the ball body’s durability and keeps water from entering the ball. With the inner cloth lining, the ball is smoother and more impact-resistant, aiding in a smooth flight and ensuring that it can withstand high-intensity impacts.

Umbro

Since 1924, it has been a world-renowned supplier of professional football apparel and equipment. It was acquired by Nike in 2008 and sold to Iconic Group in 2012.

Manchester-based football brand Umbro invented tracksuits and sportswear. In 1934, Umbro designed the first large football kit for Manchester City. With its athletic tailoring heritage and modern football culture, the company creates performance and style-driven football apparel, footwear, and equipment. 

With decades of experience, Umbro has revolutionized football equipment and sportswear, while also supplying rugby, cricket and basketball. Having worked with managers (including Sir Alf Ramsey and Fabio Capello) and famous footballers (Franny Lee and John Terry), everything matches shirts, shorts, and socks.

All Umbro items are designed by someone who is passionate about the game and has a deep understanding of it. Whether it is a coach’s shirt, a drill top, or team apparel with iconic double diamonds, you can be sure of quality and authenticity.

Humphreys wanted to bring tailored style to sportswear, meeting the needs of modern competitive athletes in an exciting way. From the playground to the training field, the Speciali boot has been a favorite of locker rooms around the world, a lightweight revolutionary. This has always been the spirit of Umbro.

FAQs

1. What is the size of a soccer ball?

Depending on their dimensions, soccer balls can be classified into sizes 1 to 5.

1) Size 1 soccer ball is a toy ball without size restrictions. The ball typically measures 8-13 cm in diameter, roughly the size of a palm, and is suitable for display or play.

2) Size 2 soccer balls typically have a diameter of 16 cm, slightly larger than Size 1. Young children commonly play with it.

3) Size 3 soccer balls have strict size regulations, with a diameter of 18 cm on average. For children aged 5 to 12, the official Size 4 and Size 5 balls are considered too large and heavy, requiring significant physical effort. Therefore, children often use Size 3 balls for training.

4) Size 4 soccer ball has a diameter of 19 and 20.4 cm. It is used for 5-a-side or 7-a-side matches, indoor soccer, and cage soccer popular in Europe and the Americas.

5) Size 5 soccer ball is the standard match ball used for adult competitions and training, such as 9-a-side and 11-a-side games. Some major events have strict size requirements for soccer balls, specifying a diameter of 21.5 centimeters and a circumference no greater than 71 cm or less than 68 cm.

2. What material is a soccer ball made of?

The most commonly used materials for soccer balls are PVC, PU, and genuine leather.

1) PVC material: A polyvinyl chloride-based material, it has poor environmental performance, but is affordable. It is suitable for beginners’ training. Due to the weather conditions in winter, it can become stiff and crack easily. As it has limited breathability and moisture absorption, it’s ideal for outdoor use.

2) PU material: Mostly made of polyurethane, it is hygienic and environmentally friendly. With its soft touch, resistance to temperature changes, and high elasticity, it offers good performance in terms of waterproofing, dirt resistance, abrasion resistance, and abrasion resistance. It is suitable for individuals with a basic soccer understanding. While it can be used indoors and outdoors, it is generally more expensive.

3) Genuine leather material: Typically, it is made from cowhide or genuine leather, so it is expensive. However, it is prone to absorbing water, and improper maintenance can result in deformation. You can only use it on grass fields.

3. How do you distinguish the bladder used in a soccer ball?

1) Listen to the sound: If the ball produces a clear and crisp rebound sound when you strike it against the ground, it will likely have a latex bladder. A dull sound indicates a butyl bladder. A latex bladder makes a louder sound when it is released, whereas a butyl bladder makes a quieter sound.

2) Look at the rebound speed and height: A latex bladder will result in a higher and faster rebound when you strike the ball against the ground.

3) Check air retention: After being left untouched for a while, the ball will likely lose air relatively quickly if a latex bladder is present.

4. What are the different methods of stitching soccer balls?

A soccer ball can be categorized into three types based on its stitching (manufacturing process): machine-stitched, hand-stitched, and heat-bonded.

1) Machine-stitched soccer balls: These balls are produced on assembly lines by modern machinery. Comparatively, they are less expensive and more affordable than hand-stitched balls. In contrast, they have a short lifespan and are not as durable.

2) Hand-stitched soccer balls: Hand-stitched soccer balls are crafted by skilled artisans, who sew the panel pieces together. A hand-stitched ball has tighter stitching and lasts longer, while a machine-stitched ball appears more visible and does not help the ball travel further, and it tends to be more durable.

3) Heat-bonded soccer balls: These balls are made using a combination of manual and machine processes, which involve bonding irregular panel pieces together using heat, eliminating the need for visible stitching. Among their advantages are their seamless construction, resistance to water ingress, roundness, and fast flight speeds. Most high-end match balls are manufactured using heat bonding, which offers top-tier performance characteristics but is also more expensive.