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The most expensive soccer balls have excellent material, lining, bonding, and bladder. So, expensive soccer balls are definitely worth your time and money.
Soccer balls are available today in different sizes and prices. Now, the question arises – should you go for expensive soccer balls or not?
Still, is it worth spending your bucks on a costly soccer ball when you can get a cheap one? Read on to know more!
Top Four Expensive Soccer Balls – Pro Choices
Product: Updated 2024-04-23 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
How Can An Expensive Soccer Ball Help You?
There are certain reasons why expensive soccer balls are preferred over the unknown, inexpensive ones, such as:
Excellent Material
One of the major differences between expensive and inexpensive soccer balls is the material. For example, inexpensive soccer balls are made up of PVC or a mix of PVC and Polyurethane to keep the cost within the budget.
On the other hand, expensive soccer balls are made up of pure Polyurethane. Now, PVC is a durable option. Yet, it is not the best. It may give you a hard touch and make it difficult to control the ball.
When it comes to expensive soccer balls made of Polyurethane, they last longer and give you a soft touch to have a natural grip on the ball.
Retain Their Shape
Another important reason is the ball lining. It determines how long the ball will retain and what type of touch it will provide.
The inner lining of inexpensive soccer balls is usually made of either cotton or polyester layers. There are just one to two layers.
Due to this, inexpensive balls are harder to play with. They may also lose their shape and durability.
On the other hand, expensive soccer balls have multiple layers of cotton and polyester. Multiple layers offer more durability, and they even retain their shape.
Bonding – Stitching
Before, soccer balls were stitched using water-resistant polyester material. So, they lasted in the wet climate too.
However, many high-end brands like Adidas have started using thermal bonding. This helps in giving more shape to your ball and making it durable.
Better Bladder
The center-most part of the soccer ball is known as the bladder. Now, there are two materials used here. One is Butyl, and the other one is Latex.
Inexpensive and medium-range soccer balls use butyl, whereas expensive ones are made of latex. Latex soccer balls offer better grip and touch. It also keeps the ball in shape.
The bottom line is that butyl soccer balls aren’t as good as latex ones.
Four Most Expensive Soccer Balls
If you’re interested in looking for the most expensive soccer ball in the game, here are the three most expensive ones.
NEW! world Cup 2022 – Adidas Rihla Pro White/Panton
The latest ball that everyone is talking about! The Adidas Rihla Pro for the World Cup in 2022. It has just been released and could be the greatest soccer ball ever!
Here are the straight facts;
- 70% polyurethane, 20% recycled polyester, 10% viscose cover
- Official match ball of the FIFA World Cup 2022
- Optimal ball control and precise flight behavior
- Speedshell panel shape
- Rubber bladder – Butyl bladder
- Thermally bonded seamless construction
- FIFA Quality Pro certified
- FIFA World Cup™ printed logo
- Requires inflation
- Leather (imitation)
- Product color: White / Pantone
Product: Updated 2024-04-22 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Strikers and keepers are both happy with this ball. It’s normally one or the other that likes a ball, but this time it seems like Adidas has got it just right.
Adidas Men’s Soccer Champions Finale Official Match Ball
Brand: Adidas
Where to Buy: Amazon
With a price tag of $185, this is one of the most expensive soccer balls. However, it provides great value that makes it worth the price.
It is available in size five, the standard soccer ball size for adults.
- Unisex Children's Football Practice Ball
- Hard material Multicolor from adidas brand
- UCL PRO WHITE Ball/PLAMET/CIABRI/PANTON
- adidas sports products are designed to enjoy your favorite...
- Hard material made from premium materials that adapt to any...
Product: Updated 2024-04-23 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Here are some of the key features:
- Eye-catching Design
The design matches the price of this ball. It has a combination of bold colors. It is pleasing to look at and play with. It will certainly be an attention grabber as well.
- High-end Materials
The cover of the ball is made out of 100% polyurethane. This material adds maximum durability to the ball. It protects against tear, cut, abrasion, oil, grease, etc.
- Butyl Bladder
Some balls have latex bladders, but this one has a high-quality butyl bladder. It allows the ball to have prolonged air and shape retention. You can play with it for as long as possible, and it will not lose the air inside or get any shape deformation.
- High Durability
The panels on the ball are thermally bonded for extra strength. The polyurethane material on the cover ensures maximum durability as well. It will not break or tear down, no matter how hard you kick it.
Pros:
- High-end materials
- FIFA Quality Pro certified
- Thermally bonded panels
- Maximum durability
- Excellent design
Cons:
- Very expensive price
- It delivers deflated. You need to have an air pump
Nike Premier League Merlin Official Match Soccer Ball
Brand: Adidas
Where to Buy: Amazon
This ball is another great option for an expensive ball with great value. It has all the features that make it a quality ball. The design is also very futuristic and cool-looking.
Product: Updated 2024-04-23 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Here are some of the key features:
- Consistent Ball Spin
The ball is provided with Nike Arrow Track grooves. These grooves give great consistency in the spin of the ball. They also optimize the ball’s aerodynamics, giving you amazing shots every time.
- Amazing Performance
This ball is designed for Premier League 2019-2020. It offers one of the best soccer ball performances out there. The designers have stated that they wanted to make a ball that is hyper-technical and precise. The ball feels great and performs better.
- Design
It features a modern design combining white, orange, and black. It has the Nike logo and the familiar Premier League logo. It has a 4-panel construction, giving you a larger shooting surface area.
- Durability
Durability is one of the features we love most about this ball. It features a latex bladder that allows the ball to maintain its shape and the air inside for the longest time possible. The material is also very good quality and can withstand all the forces.
Pros:
- High-performing aero-dynamism
- Prolonged air and shape retention
- Great feel
- Great performance
- High durability
- Optimal consistency
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- It is an expensive ball
- You need to purchase an air pump since it comes deflated
For a more reasonably priced soccer ball, these three are great options;
MLS PRO Ball
Brand: Adidas
Where to buy: Amazon
Another popular choice for players looking to get a top-quality soccer ball is the MLS Pro ball. Covered in red, white, and blue, the ball looks classy.
Product: Updated 2024-04-23 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Players have reported that the weight and feel of the ball to strike is one of the best they’ve ever had, so you can’t go wrong with this.
Like the other balls, it’s thermally bonded, with a solid surface that keeps the ball in shape and feels the same for every strike. It also has a Rhombus Carcass and a high-grade butyl bladder.
Product: Updated 2024-04-23 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Adidas Jabulani World Cup Match Ball 2010 (Not Available Now)
Brand: Adidas
Where to Buy: NO LONGER AVAILABLE
The Jabulani soccer ball is also one of the best yet most expensive soccer balls on the market. It offers you an amazing experience, thanks to the premium materials and excellent performance of the ball.
It also came in the standard five sizes.
Here are some of the key features:
- Great Performance
Since it is the official ball of the South Africa World Cup, it can guarantee you the best performance.
This ball has passed FIFA’s tests on durability, air and shape retention, water resistance, size, quality, and more. The best part? It has also received excellent ratings and will give you a challenging play.
- Premium Materials
This ball has received the highest ratings from FIFA. It has a cover fully made from polyurethane. This material is amazing regarding abrasion, tear, and cut resistance. It can handle the strongest of kicks.
- Excellent Design
The design of this ball is simply beautiful. The combination of colors is well-chosen. The colors are very visible on any surface. Overall, the design is very pleasing and appealing.
- Shot Accuracy
The aerodynamic grooves on the ball’s cover allow it to fly in straight lines without deviating from its path. You should expect maximum strike precision with this ball.
Pros:
- 100% polyurethane
- Passed FIFA’s performance tests
- Beautiful design
- Prolonged air and shape retention
- Accurate shots
- Highest ratings from FIFA
Cons:
- It is very costly
- It is shipped deflated and requires an air pump
Are official match balls worth it?
They are worth buying. The most expensive soccer ball in the game has a cost that matches the quality. Although they can be 10x a standard soccer ball, they are constructed to high standards.
Some skills just can’t be perfected with a standard soccer ball. If you want to bend the ball around a wall, you’ll need an elite soccer ball.
Other skills, such as the Elastico or Knuckleball, are much easier to perform when you have an elite ball. (see the 23 advanced skills and tricks here).
Pro soccer players make skills look easy, and the balls make it easier for them!
When you do buy an elite ball, be careful not to use it on solid ground or against a wall for a longer lifespan.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
