Ready for the 2023 MLS All-Star match, in which Major League Soccer’s best will take on Premier League runner’s up, Arsenal, Adidas have partnered with Marvel to produce the official match ball for the match, along with a supporting collection.
On 19 July, festivities will descend upon D.C. United’s Audi Field as the MLS All Stars welcome Arsenal for the traditional showpiece event that sees Major League Soccer’s best taking on teams from around the world. And this year there will be a special ball in use featuring super heroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk and Black Widow as part of a three-part collaboration dropping throughout the summer between adidas, MLS and Marvel.
The official match ball features comic-accurate representations of all the original roster of The Avengers as presented in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They’re presented in golden hues, playing out across the white base with further black elements. Tech-wise, this is the same model that's currently in use in the league, and it provides the highest level of accuracy and reliability on the field of play, due in part to its new panel shape and surface textures. Key features of its construction include the CTR-Core, an innovative core within the ball that is tuned to improve accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention, and the SpeedShell, the ball’s polyurethane (PU) skin featuring micro and macro textures and a new 20-piece panel shape, which enhances aerodynamics to improve the accuracy, flight stability and swerve of shots.
It’s joined by a Captain America-themed training ball, which is likely released just ahead of Independence Day – can’t get much more patriotic. It sees Cap’s shield overlaid across faded comic book panels on the base.
The balls are then supported by other Super Hero-inspired apparel, including an Avengers-inspired bespoke warm-up jacket and pants, all of which will be used during the MLS All-Star Game.
Captain America-themed unisex warm-up tops will then drop later in June, followed by Avengers-inspired tops in August as part of the League and Continental Tire’s efforts to raise awareness and funds during Kick Childhood Cancer Awareness month in September.
“Major League Soccer and adidas’ Marvel collaboration captures the unique spirit, confident attitude, and diverse environment that embodies the sport of soccer,” said Rachel Hoagland, MLS SVP of Consumer Products.
“The League continues to reimagine our product offerings so fans can celebrate the teams and players they love in new ways. This special collection is the latest evolution of the League’s commitment to spotlighting the creativity in our sport and connecting soccer with progressive fashion offerings.”
The Marvel-inspired collection, including the All-Stars official match ball, will be available at mlsstore.com
The Captain America training ball and a mini version of the 2023 All Stars official match ball are available at prodirectsport.com/soccer
