The 2010 Madrid final introduces a new ball design and technology that takes the shape of the Champions League starball logo. The stars are now a full panel rather than printed on the ball.
Gold is the new color. The 10 years partnership between UEFA and Adidas is marked with a unique motif that represents the previous finals locations.
The updated technology provides the truest ball flight. Twenty pentagonal panels make the ball rounder and guarantee control under all field and weather conditions.
Remember, this is the ball that brought the trophy to the Inter of Jose Mourinho.
Adidas Finale 10 and Adidas Finale Wembley: same ball, different colors.
The two balls of the 2010-11 Champions League edition follow a pattern set during the last final in Madrid. The technology suits the starball panel design, so the ball becomes a more iconic part of the competition. A new shape guarantees more control, power and swerve.
Which one is better: the Adidas Finale 10 or the Adidas Finale Wembley?
If the technology is equal, why would we prefer one ball to the other. In fact, it’s a matter of taste. Each ball got the most popular color in football: blue and red.
Marine blue stars offer a sober look to The Adidas Finale 10. Light glowing blue effects and black lines blend to form a bold contour. What can be more classic than that?
On the other hand, the red-and-white design of the Adidas Finale Wembley reflects St George’s cross, the patron of England. One orange star is present in the center, and the final logo with two lions holding the Champions League trophy appears on a white panel.
Not convinced? Then a third option may appeal you: the Adidas Finale 11. Used in all 2011-12 Champions League phases but the final, it embraces the same technology with different star panel coloring. A mixture of green, blue, violet and red lines offers a unique design for this ball. Should you dislike red and blue, the Adidas Finale 11 is the right choice.
More colors for the Adidas Finale Munich
The jazzy blend of white-lime-cyan-blue offers a fresh look to the Champions League ball. White and neutral pentagon panels keep the right balance. A Champions League trophy filled with Allianz Arena’s exterior design creates the final logo.
I assure that the ball won’t disappoint you if technology is your most important characteristic. Here’s a list of specs that should make your choice easier:
- Grip texture for enhanced friction between ball and boot
- Thermally bonded seamless surface for a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water uptake
- The highest FIFA rating
- High-end materials for perfect on field performance
- Star panel shape for perfect aerodynamics
- 70% polyurethane / 30% leather (imitation)
It is sad for Bayern’s supporters that their favorite team lost at home. However, if you want to revive the penalties that made Chelsea win their first ever Champions League trophy, Adidas Finale Munich ball is the one to get.
Another Final in Wembley
Wembley makes history in 2013 for being the first stadium to host the Champions League final twice in three years. But why is so? Platini offers the answer:
“We are gathered here because 150 years ago, there were people in England who put football’s rules in place. I believe it is a real moment of respect–if we forget the past, we do not have a future.”
The ball is a celebration to Wembley’s
heritage as the “home of football”.
Wembley’s importance for European football is symbolized by the dark blue and
gold stars that remind the European Union flag. A golden star with a crown says
it all: if England is the kingdom of football, then Wembley is its stronghold.
The original Wembley Stadium hosted five European Cup finals: in 1963, 1968, 1971, 1978, and 1992. The years 1963 and 2013 are gold printed inside two stars linked to each other, making a bridge through time.
What is the surprise of the final? Two German teams, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, facing each other in the English battlefield..
Adidas Finale 13 is a remake of the Finale 11
Remember your third option between the first Adidas Finale Wembley and Adidas Finale 10, the ball with colored lines inside the stars?
It’s back for 2013-14 Champions League competition but this time we can view red colored shades. In fact, the mixture of red, gray and black reminds me of AC Milan. I can say that it’s the perfect Champions League ball for all the rossoneri fans.
Besides the colors, Adidas added the Champions League’s starball logo inside the central star.
Champions League 2013-14 final in Lisbon
The 14th Champions League final supplied with the official Adidas Finale ball takes place at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. The venue is the home of Benfica, the most decorated team of Portugal. It marked the 1960s with 2 European Cup trophies and with the legendary player, Eusebio.
Sunset-yellow lines decorate the dark-blue stars, similar to the sunrays which caress the Atlantic Ocean. that symbolize sunrays. After all, Estádio da Luz translates to Stadium of Lights.
If it doesn’t convince you, I remind you that Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal with the Adidas Finale Lisbon ball and wins its first Champions League trophy under Real Madrid kit.
However, if you prefer Messi and Barcelona, I recommend the next two balls.
Adidas Finale 14 and Adidas Finale Berlin
Should you prefer a darker version of the Adidas Finale Lisbon, than Adidas Finale 14 is the right choice. Used throughout the group stage of the 2014-15 Champions League edition, the ball have plain black stars filled with small red and yellow triangles. Adidas Finale 14 is the first ever in UEFA Champions League history to differ left and right sides as the black stars are becoming more yellowish on the right side.
Barcelona plays its last Champions League final in Berlin
Barcelona, my favorite European football club wins the 2015 final of Berlin. As a Juve and Barca fan, the moment of truth came. I must decide which team I support. After many thoughts and interrogations, the Catalans led by Leo Messi are the chosen ones.
Little I know in this moment that It will be the last final played and won by Barcelona. So, the Adidas Finale Berlin reaches the top 3 of my most wanted football balls.
Besides an emotional value, I enjoy the design. The ball embraces a cultural and historic theme created around the host city of Berlin. Most of the stars got a colorful pattern. One of Berlin’s symbol makes an appearance: the bear. The Champions League logo is put beneath the Brandenburg Gate. So yes, the ball truly represents Berlin.
Like the previous Finale balls, Adidas Finale Berlin features an outer coating texture that provides optimal grip at the point of impact. Whether you are looking for emotions or the technology, the Adidas Finale Berlin will suit all your expectations.
Many thanks to ykyeco who give me the right to use all the balls images presented in this article. You can check his Instagram account or his website for more match balls pictures.
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