UEFA Champions League 2008/09 Football
This ball was unveiled in the drawing of the group stage for this season’s edition of the UEFA Champions League. With the trophy currently held by an English club (Man Utd), enthusiasm among supporters is growing every week, anticipating May 2009 when the Final will be held in Rome. Once again, Adidas are the manufacturers of the best European club competition’s ball, having done so since 2005. Their innovative technology for ball manufacturing makes them the preferred option to other manufacturers (Puma, Nike, etc) by the European football governing body.
For the 2008/09 ball, which will be used for all the UEFA Champions League games, Adidas have made use of a design which is very similar to that used for this summer’s Euro 2008. It is called the FINALE 8, and is made of 14 panels. The exterior of the ball has goose bumps to provide the players with added ability to control the ball. Adidas kept in mind different weather conditions, and maximised the swerve and accuracy of the ball. As the outer layer is not flat, the ball is also very good for the goalkeepers, giving them increased ability to grip the ball with the gloves, and to stop the ball quicker due to friction.
Adidas maintained the star design of the Champions League ball. Just like they did for the Moscow Final matchball, they used colours which are synonymous with the venue of the matches. Indigo and green are the colours used for the 2008/09 ball, representing the sky, floodlights (metallic indigo) and the grass. The ball can be obtained from our partner Kitbag for £74.99 and is delivered to your door packed in a black box:
This is pretty old news.
And btw, the ball doesn’t seem to change much. Always with the stars. Can’t they change it for once?
Bob, the ball complements the Champions League logo; it’s a significant part of the brand.
However, they could be more creative with imagery inside the stars each year. The 2008 Moscow CL Final ball was a step in the right direction.
You’re right, Ron. The stars are a significant part of the brand.
What isn’t stated in this (old) article is that this design is only being used for qualification matches up to the Final, where a new design will be unveiled. The design for the Final in Rome will no doubt be representative of the host city, as Finale balls have been over the past few years.
Boring. How much are they going to rip people off for that?. I wouldn’t buy it in 100 years as any one whos ever owned a ball will know after its been used a few times the print wears off so you’re left with a normal plain ball.
Jambo, the graphic is what they call an “underglass print” which significantly reduces abrasion of the design.
i liked the athens final ball
fair play Greg, but i still think its a rip off
nice
this is an ok ball but there is an other one which looks better that says final on it
Who would actually buy that!