timeline
timeline
The football ball's story begins long before the modern game, rooted in ancient civilizations that crafted balls from materials like leather, feathers, and even rubber. Each era brought its own innovations, laying the foundation for the sleek, high-performance balls we see on the field today. Explore how these early designs shaped the evolution of the world's most popular sport.
The football ball's story begins long before the modern game, rooted in ancient civilizations that crafted balls from materials like leather, feathers, and even rubber. Each era brought its own innovations, laying the foundation for the sleek, high-performance balls we see on the field today. Explore how these early designs shaped the evolution of the world's most popular sport.
pre 19th century
pre 19th century
Early forms of football balls were made from a variety of materials like animal bladders, leather, and even inflated pig bladders. these early balls were used in games resembling modern-day football, played in ancient China, Greece, and later in medieval Europe.
Early forms of football balls were made from a variety of materials like animal bladders, leather, and even inflated pig bladders. these early balls were used in games resembling modern-day football, played in ancient China, Greece, and later in medieval Europe.
1930
1930
In ancient China, Cuju balls were often made of stitched leather and filled with feathers, but by the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), some were even inflated with air.
In ancient China, Cuju balls were often made of stitched leather and filled with feathers, but by the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), some were even inflated with air.
1970
1970
Adidas Telstar – The iconic Telstar, the first ball with 32 panels (a mix of black and white hexagons and squares), debuts at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It was known for its visibility and aerodynamic design.
Adidas Telstar – The iconic Telstar, the first ball with 32 panels (a mix of black and white hexagons and squares), debuts at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It was known for its visibility and aerodynamic design.
1978
1978
Adidas Tango Durlast - The visual design of the Tango Durlast was so successful that it extended to the next five World Cup match balls. The Tango design incorporated 20 triad shapes that formed 12 circles around each of the black pentagons. The name of the ball celebrates the dance often associated with Argentina. The tango originated in the Rio de la Plata area, along the river that separates Argentina and Uruguay.
The ceramic sculpture of Jalisco was used as funerary offerings in the tombs of members of important families. It is conjectured that depictions of ballplayers were meant to accompany the burial of a man who had been a skilled player.
2006
2006
Adidas Teamgeist – This World Cup ball introduced a seamless design with thermally bonded panels instead of stitched seams, improving aerodynamics and consistency.
Adidas Teamgeist – This World Cup ball introduced a seamless design with thermally bonded panels instead of stitched seams, improving aerodynamics and consistency.
2010
2010
Adidas Jabulani – Used in the South Africa World Cup, this ball received mixed reviews for its unpredictable flight path. It was known for its advanced technology but faced controversy over its erratic performance.
Adidas Jabulani – Used in the South Africa World Cup, this ball received mixed reviews for its unpredictable flight path. It was known for its advanced technology but faced controversy over its erratic performance.
2022
2022
Adidas Al Rihla – The official match ball for the Qatar World Cup, designed with the latest technology to ensure high speed and stability, optimized for the fast-paced nature of modern football.
Adidas Al Rihla – The official match ball for the Qatar World Cup, designed with the latest technology to ensure high speed and stability, optimized for the fast-paced nature of modern football.
