Adidas has unveiled a limited-edition anniversary match ball to celebrate 25 years as the official ball supplier for the UEFA Champions League, marking one of the longest-running partnerships in European football. The ball debuts on Matchdays 7 and 8 of the current season.
The 25th anniversary ball reimagines the original adidas Finale 1 that introduced the now-iconic “starball” design in 2001. The commemorative edition maintains the original color palette and graphic print while incorporating a contemporary color-shifting finish that transitions from black to purple under different lighting conditions.
A custom 25th anniversary logo features prominently on the ball, symbolizing the partnership between Adidas and Europe’s premier club competition. The ball uses thermally bonded seamless construction found in recent UEFA Champions League official match balls, delivering performance standards for elite-level play through precision, consistency and control across all conditions.
Partnership extends through 2027 with expanded scope
UEFA and Adidas extended their partnership in September 2024 for three additional years through 2027. The agreement covers official match ball supply for UEFA Champions League fixtures from the play-offs onwards, with new designs for each season. Adidas also supplies official match balls for the UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League and UEFA Futsal Champions League.
The partnership, which began in the 2000-01 season, has positioned the starball as one of the most valuable visual assets in club football, closely tied to the Champions League’s global identity. The ball has been present at the competition’s most memorable moments, from Zinédine Zidane’s volley in the 2002 final to Lionel Messi’s era-defining performances.
Commercial and sustainability commitments continue
Adidas continues its foundational partnership with Common Goal, pledging one percent of all global net sales from footballs – including the 25th-anniversary release – to drive systemic social change. This funding supports a network of over 140 NGOs across 90 countries, specifically targeting the Global Goal 5 Accelerator to advance gender equality and the Anti-Racist Project to eliminate discrimination within the sport.
Parallel to these social efforts, the 2025-26 Champions League Pro match balls represent a new benchmark in sustainable production. They incorporate a higher percentage of bio-based substances than any previous edition, utilizing corn fibers, sugar cane, wood pulp, and natural rubber, alongside recycled polyester and water-based inks to reduce the tournament’s environmental footprint without compromising elite performance.
Source: UEFA Jan 12, 2026 ”adidas celebrates 25-year UEFA Champions League partnership with anniversary ball launch”
