Given that precious footballs often end up in the trees of our rather intimidating and never-at-home neighbours, investing in a professional-grade ball for casual games feels out of the question for many players.
We’d rather make use of a piece of kit that can be bruised, battered and booted across fences without suffering any significant losses.
However, once exposed to a high-level training ball, football aficionados aren’t likely to go back to those bargain bin options from the local sports shop. But what exactly is the difference between a cheap-as-chips football and a slightly pricier, high-quality option?
What makes a good football?
- Size: footballs are offered in sizes 1-5 with varying circumferences for different age groups. Adults and children aged 12 and up should typically opt for a size 5 football, which measures 27-28”. The weight of size 5 balls ranges from approximately 410 to 450g.
- Lining and surface materials: high-quality footballs tend to have an additional foam layer for added softness and bounce. According to Top4Football, three main materials are typically used for the outer layer of a football: PU – Polyurethane, PVC – Polyvinyl chloride, or a mixture of the two. Polyurethane is recognised as the best outer material for professional players as it enhances contact while providing a soft yet slightly coarse and weather-resistant surface.
- Doesn’t require excessive pumping: the extent to which a football retains air is dependent on the ‘bladder’ – the part of the football that looks like a balloon. They tend to be made of either latex or butyl, with the former offering better surface tension and the latter providing better air retention. Match footballs tend to have latex bladders, since excessive pumping doesn’t tend to be an issue with a steady supply of new balls always on hand. This is because latex provides the best contact, flight pattern and has a quality bounce, according to Top4Football.
- Aesthetics: whether designed for a specific tournament or team, professional footballs tend to have unbeatable, iconic aesthetics that make for collector’s items down the line.
- Certification: there are three levels of certification for footballs based on the size, weight, pressure, bounce and water absorption of the ball. The top level certification is Fifa Quality Pro, which is used in all professional leagues. Second is Fifa Quality, followed by the International Matchball Standard (IMS). The most inexpensive footballs don’t have certification stickers.
When it comes to your weekly five-a-side, consider investing in a better football and split the cost among your teammates for an instantly elevated sporting experience.
Keep scrolling for a selection of the best footballs on the market for 2024.
Adidas Euro 2024 Pro Football
Play like Europe’s elite teams with the help of the official adidas Euro 2024 pro football. The unbeatably premium accessory is cut from smooth polyurethane with each segment thermally bonded together for seamless, long-lasting construction.
Though the polyurethane surface provides a soft touch, this ball is finished with an innovative debossed surface for better accuracy and precision, and a butyl bladder for brilliant air retention.
Buy now £80.00, JD Sports
Nike Premier League Flight 2023/2024
Described as “the ball made to withstand it all”, Nike’s Premier League Flight ball features specially moulded grooves for less drag and an impressively grippy texture for control and durability in all weather conditions. We’re big fans of the stylish and easy-to-spot yellow and purple colourway.
Buy now £129.95, Nike
Nike Premier League Pitch Football 2023/24
While the Nike Premier League Pitch football differs slightly from the Flight since it doesn’t have those innovative moulded grooves, it remains a premium quality, value-for-money option for casual players across the board. Designed for training sessions and improving footwork, it comprises a durable 12-panel design, a rubber bladder for effortless airtime and a polyurethane finish.
Buy now £24.95, Amazon
Adidas Size 5 Ball 2024 Champions League
In our humble opinion, the Champions League ball is the most attractive option designed for the 2024 season. It’s Fifa Quality certified and has a butyl bladder for lasting air retention. The seamless TSBE construction offers a premium feel for all games, while the 100 per cent TPU coating is soft to the touch.
Buy now £27.99, Decathlon
Puma La Liga Orbita 1 Football 2023 24
A light-touch football which is fantastic for shooting, Puma’s La Liga Orbita 1 has a hybrid construction with no visible seams for a highly consistent shape. The fact that It’s constructed with an impressive 32 panels which each have an equal surface area also helps for premium shape retention, while the rubber bladder and Puma Air Lock valve keep the ball inflated for longer.
Buy now £85.00, Lovell Soccer
Mitre Impel Club Orange Football
Crafted using uber-soft EVA foam for a super cushioned touch, the Mitre Impel allows for confidence, practice and control. It’s available in sizes 3, 4 and 5 depending on the age group and level in question.
Buy now £9.00, Lovell Soccer
Nike Pitch Team Training Football
Never worry about losing this neon green football, for it certainly stands out against standard grass. TPU helps with durability, while reinforced rubber keeps the football light, airy and bouncy.
Buy now £16.52, Nike
