Unveiled: The Adidas Jabulani World Cup matchball
Posted By Rob Parker on December 1, 2009
It’s round
Since every World Cup produces an accompanying matchball which is supposedly “rounder” than its predecessor, you could be forgiven for thinking that footballs are now about as round as they are likely to get. Not so, according to Adidas.
They will officially unveil their Adidas Jabulani ball at Friday’s World Cup draw and are sticking to the script that they have once again re-invented the wheel.
The German manufacturer reckons the eight-panel design makes it the most spherical design yet. And they say its ‘Grip’n'Groove’ technology (whatever that means) gives “an exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions”.
The name means to celebrate in the isiZulu language, which is spoken by 25 per cent of South Africans.
What do you reckon?
It’s still just a ball
You’re wrong, it’s magic!
Will it also knuckle unexpectedly allowing for more ambitious attempts on goal from the halfway line?
I reckon your right, either my eyes deceive me, or, I really don’t think I have ever, ever seen a ball quite as round as that, wow, what a result, adidas, what will you come up with next? Trainer shaped trainers? Short shaped shorts? Cap shaped caps, the mind boggles at the possibilities!!
id like to see Messi punt that in Sep blatter’s Fat gob from close range.
i’m sure it’s the perfect shape for england’s players to shank it over the bar during a 1/4 final penalty shootout against portugal.
ten quid the players moan its too light
10 quid the players moan its too light
Its a ball!
How awesome!
Looks cool. Agree with Preben, it’s magic!
Lol@round - it’s actuall at the upper end of the weight class (440 when range is 420-445 grams), so not sure they’ll complain about too light.
Sure for braindamage from heading it maybe!
[...] a distinct lack of puff as he attempted to blow a vuvuzela to celebrate yet another launch of the Adidas Jabulani World Cup [...]