With the final ball from the 2015 MLS season sitting nestled neatly in the back of a Portland net, adidas and Major League Soccer have wasted no time in letting the 'NATIVO' get a spin in the spotlight.
The 'NATIVO' is being described as the most tested ball to date and has been designed to deliver the highest level of performance around the world. Cutting the same core shapes as the Beau Jeu that will be used in the 2016 European Championships, it's the layer of design that sits on top of the rigorous engineering that will pick up those aesthetic loving headlines.
Under the hood however, the construction of the ball has been through the wash internally at adidas and come out with its unique symmetry of six panels and a textured surfaces to deliver an elite flight for the ball.
That layer on top, a bright blossom of colour is inspired by what the MLS describes as their three pillars of Club, Country and Community. The flags of both the United States and Canada sit proudly entwined as stars, stripes and the smart maple leaf cross the panels accompanied by the MLS crest, adidas logo and the signature of MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Dunno how sought after Donny G's signature is but hey, a personal touch is always nice.
The ball constantly spinning in football innovation, it's a smart number as the 2016 looms. Got you craving a fresh football for the winter? Pick up one for the mantle piece and another for the pitch here.
