The Champions League Ball Turns 25 adidas has released a new version of the Starball

The UEFA Champions League ball turns 25. To mark the occasion, adidas has unveiled a modern reinterpretation of the original adidas FINALE 1, the iconic star-studded ball that made its debut back in 2001. It’s a nostalgic throwback, with the ball featuring the same colours and graphics seen in the very first starball design, while simultaneously introducing a contemporary iridescent finish that subtly shifts from black to purple depending on the angle. A clean yet striking aesthetic choice, celebrating one of the longest-running partnerships in modern football. This limited-edition version will be used during the final two matchdays of the league phase of the 2025/26 Champions League season.

A return to the origins for adidas, symbolically closing a creative circle that over the past 25 years has seen the brand reinterpret the starball motif through a wide range of colours and visual effects. At the heart of every version are the stars, the universal symbol of the Champions League. The most prestigious football competition in the world, made even more iconic by a ball instantly recognisable across the globe. A bond that began with Zinedine Zidane, grew alongside Leo Messi, continued through Mo Salah and Toni Kroos, and today finds new momentum in its connection with Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. In short: the Champions League simply wouldn’t be the same without the starball.

The official ball celebrating 25 years of adidas x UEFA Champions League is available from today in adidas stores, at selected retailers and online at adidas.com.