The centre of attention but often overlooked, the humble football is the essence of the game. Doesn’t quite come in all shapes and sizes (spherical is essential) but it does come in some pretty radical looks these days.
PUMA have made moves to dominate across the main leagues of Europe over the last few years, with three of the big five now featuring the German brand's signature Big Cat silhouette. But that doesn't mean that there isn't plenty of room for the other brands to still be having fun, and the rest of the leagues are shared out fairly evenly. Here, we pick out the best ball designs from across Europe for the 26/27 season (and also some bang average ones).
PREMIER LEAGUE (PUMA)
Second season strong. Still feels weird not having the Swoosh if I'm being honest, but the introduction of Nitro is a nice touch.
LALIGA (PUMA)
Unlike the Premier League, LaLiga and PUMA are now into their eighth season together. Certainly not the jazziest of designs on this list, but does the job.
SERIE A (PUMA)
Nothing to really write home about here, is there. It's not a bad design, but it'll hardly be hailed as a classic in 10 years time.
BUNDESLIGA (adidas)
Say hello to Torfabrik, a German ball through and through. Great combination of red and black on a ball (seldom seen usually, but a more common sight this season) and also doesn't hurt that it has a great name.
LIGUE 1 (Decathlon/Kipsta)
Decathlon have certainly been making some moves in the ball market. Here, we get a venomous-looking design for teh French top flight. Better than the Ligue 2 option, for sure.
Women's Super League (Nike)
Nike's only entry on this list, but it hits hard with a throwback to T90 aesthetics.
LIGA F (PUMA)
Taking things up a notch from their male counterparts in terms of a little bit more design flair, and it's all the better for it.
English Football League (PUMA)
Another PUMA entry, and another solid design. Never going to be a cult classic, but a decent enough look.
EREDIVISIE (DERBYSTAR)
There's something pleasantly throwback about the Eredivisie's ball. It's simplistic in its design, probably because of its classic pentagonal/hexagonal panel construction in a world where panels seem to be anything but.
BELGIUM PRO LEAGUE (Decathlon/Kipsta)
Similar design to the Ligue 1 ball, which is understandable given its from the same manufacturer. So who did it better? Red and black accents again on a white base. Seems to be a minor theme this season.
SWISS SUPER LEAGUE (Macron)
The best thing about this ball is that it properly feels Swiss, and that's thanks to the graphic inspired by the profiles of the Swiss mountains.
Serie B (Kappa)
Kappa have been producing balls for Serie B for almost a decade now, and over the last few seasons they've really hit their stride. And this is an absolute masterpiece – inverted branding, bright colours, all mixed together on that white base. Love it.
The National League (Mitre)
What ball list would be complete without an entry from Mitre? Proper classic, throwback vibes from the Ultimax. So perfectly suited to the National League – go together like chips and gravy!
The Carabao Cup (PUMA)
Pretty much just cut and paste from the EFL ball, only add green in place of blue.
UEFA Champions League & UEFA Women's Champions League (adidas)
Moving into European competition, and first up is one of the last Champions League balls from adidas, as they prepare to make way for Nike from next season onwards. Those iconic stars are in place, as you'd expect. Will Nike use them...?
UEFA Europa League (Decathlon/Kipsta)
The second tier of European competition, and it's Decathlon that produce the ball. Slight tweak on the aesthetics produced for their league balls, but following a fairly similar route.
UEFA Europa Conference League (Decathlon/Kipsta)
Another cut and paste job, subbing the red hues out for minty green. Not so fresh...
UEFA Super Cup (adidas)
A one-off ball for the champions of Europe to duke it out with to determine who the ultimate champions of Europe actually are (we all knew it was PSG before this ball was even kicked).
FA Community Shield (Mitre)
Another one-off ball, this time to see who the best team in England is. Turns out it was comprehensively Arsenal. Nice bright and bold take on the modern Ultimax look.
