The best soccer balls in the UK 2023

An essential element for the practice of soccer, the soccer ball is generally spherical in shape, unlike the rugby ball. The atmosphere of the game on the field depends largely on the quality of this accessory with which you play. However, the choice of the latter depends on the type of game to be played. Check out our guide to get a clear idea of what is best for you.

Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue

The best football in 2021

Ball of size 5, the Select number 10 is made of synthetic leather. For playing soccer or entertaining your children, this product is the best option, given the materials used in its design.

64,84 £ on Amazon

White/royal blue in color, the Select number 10 ball is a ball suitable for girls as well as boys. Manufactured by the brand Select Sport America, the polyurethane laminated with neoprene foam for its manufacture is lighter to improve the game. In fact, once inflated, it weighs only about 453.59 g.

However, it is available in other colors for a wide range of items and in different sizes. Machine stitched, it can be given as a gift. It features a Zero Wing premium Select latex bladder that offers good bounce and shooting accuracy.

Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3 2
7/10

The best cheapest

Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3

The best entry-level football

Being two-tone, black and white, the Adidas Capitano is recommended for ages 13+. With a butyl bladder, it offers better air retention and does not deflate easily.

21,50 £ on Amazon
Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball 3
9/10

The best high-end

Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball

The best high-end football

Seamless and heat-sealed high-end ball, this product was inspired by the 1970 World Cup ball. With an NFC chip, it can interact with a smartphone.

130 £ on Amazon

With its updated digital Telstar pattern, you'll feel like you're playing in a World Cup match with this Adidas brand ball. Its distinct 3D texture allows for better grip and game control. Its new design and shape inside allows a better distribution of force for shots. White and black-silver color, this professional soccer ball is made of synthetic leather.

Even if you have to buy a ball worthy of the name, this product is the most recommended to excel on the field with its 558 g. Indeed, it allows you to improve on all levels of play: strikers, midfielders, defenders, strikers and moreover for the goalkeeper.

Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte 4
9/10

The best alternative

Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte

The best training football

Ball used for adult training matches, the MLS Nativo XXV is designed for adults. This ball is suitable for spring games. However, its butyl bladder will avoid many inconveniences.

87,47 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best soccer ball

Any specific needs?

The best football in 2021

The best entry-level football

The best high-end football

The best training football

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Comparison table of the best soccer balls

The best Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent
Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue 5
8/10
Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3 6
7/10
Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball 7
9/10
Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue
Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3
Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball
Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte
Ball of size 5, the Select number 10 is made of synthetic leather. For playing soccer or entertaining your children, this product is the best option, given the materials used in its design.
Being two-tone, black and white, the Adidas Capitano is recommended for ages 13+. With a butyl bladder, it offers better air retention and does not deflate easily.
Seamless and heat-sealed high-end ball, this product was inspired by the 1970 World Cup ball. With an NFC chip, it can interact with a smartphone.
Ball used for adult training matches, the MLS Nativo XXV is designed for adults. This ball is suitable for spring games. However, its butyl bladder will avoid many inconveniences.
Size
5
3
5
5
Material
Polyurethane laminate/neoprene foam/latex Zero Wing
Black / White
Synthetic
Synthetic
Color
White/royal blue
Synthetic
White/Black/Silver
White/solar green/shiny blue/metallic silver
Brand
Select
Adidas
Adidas
Adidas
Style
Premium soccer ball
Tango Rosario Ball
Soccer
MLS Nativo XXV Training Ball

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Buying guide - soccer ball

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How to choose your soccer ball

Playing soccer requires a spherical ball and not an oval one like in other sports. However, there are some criteria to consider in order to choose the right product for your level.

#1 - The size of the ball

Size is an essential criterion for the choice of a soccer ball and varies according to the age and level of practice of the players. There are three sizes of football: size 3, size 4 and size 5. Sizes 3 and 4 are for children under the age of 7 to 13. Size 5 is for teens and adults from 14 years old.

#2 - The main component of the soccer ball

Depending on the level of use and the level of practice of the players, a soccer ball must be chosen according to its material of manufacture. The main components of a ball are generally: rubber, PVC, polyurethane. For a more resistant ball, it is better to choose PVC and polyurethane.

#3 - The technique for assembling the ball

The assembly technique is based on the type of manufacture and construction of the soccer ball. Most professional game balls are assembled using the heat-sealing technique. Those for training are hand sewn, while the majority of initiation balls are machine sewn.

#4 - The type of bladder

The bladder is a kind of air chamber contained in the ball. In order for the ball not to deflate too quickly, it is necessary to make the right choice of the bladder that composes it. Latex or butyl, laminated bladder or winded bladder, each type of bladder provides good sphericity and long-lasting air retention.

#5 - The nature of the playing field

The nature of the playing field also plays an important role in the selection of the soccer ball. Synthetic or natural, with wet or dry surface, the polyurethane ball is suitable for almost any type of playground. On the other hand, the PVC ball should be avoided on a wet natural field.

Pakistan is the capital of soccer ball with fifty-seven million productions per year in the world.

How to inflate a soccer ball?

The choice of the inflation material

For a fast and efficient game on the field, fluidity of the passes, a better rebound, it is imperative that the soccer ball is well inflated. For this to be the case, you need the right accessories such as a manual pump (with or without a pressure gauge) or a compressor, a needle, bladder oil or lubricant or glycerine. The standard bicycle pump is not very recommended for inflating a football.

Oil or lubricant or even glycerine will prevent leaks, drying out and valve failure during inflation. For the needle, it is best to use a good, straight needle to prevent damage to the balloon valve. The manometer helps you to know the air pressure measurement in order to avoid over-inflation.

Steps to inflate a soccer ball

Before you start inflating the ball, you need to know the recommended pressure. To do this, you can check at the level of its valve. You can see a small indication of the pressure, expressed in bar, required for your ball. It should be noted that a ball inflated to the right pressure bounces better and allows a good touch of the ball. Therefore, you must respect the inflation pressure to avoid any risk of deformation or bursting in case of over-inflation.

To inflate your balloon, you must first moisten the needle of your pump. Then you inflate it until you get the required pressure. It is best to use a pump with a pressure gauge to know the pressure in the balloon. The ball should not be too soft or too hard to the touch. The valve should be closed tightly after inflation to avoid any possible air leakage. However, you can anticipate any unpleasant situations on the field with a ball repair spray at hand.

How to take care of your soccer ball?

Cleaning your soccer ball

If you like to play soccer, you should know that a soccer needs cleaning after every game. To do this, you can just rub it with a wet towel or simply clean it with warm water and dry it with a towel. Keep the ball valve clean! However, it is best to play soccer in the rain and then simply wipe it clean. Never use corrosive cleaners for cleaning.

Preserving your soccer ball

For a better conservation of a football, there are different techniques. Exerting too much pressure or subjecting the ball to too extreme a situation should be avoided. After a match, you should always keep it in its net and hang it on the wall. Take care of your ball by inflating it from time to time if you notice that it starts to run out of air and becomes a little soft to the touch. Avoid over-inflating it and protect it from freezing.

Store your soccer ball properly

Keeping your ball in a corner or in a damp place is not recommended. Moisture will cause the ball to warp. It would be wise to store it in a place that is not too hot, as high heat can cause it to burst or deflate. Store it in a dark place, but certainly not outside.

The different types of soccer balls

Each size and type of ball is designed for a certain level of soccer learning. Whether you are a beginner, an amateur or a professional, here are the types of balls you can use to play the sport.

The introductory soccer ball

The introductory or learning soccer ball is for beginners. For your first practice of soccer, choose a ball machine sewn and assembled with fine threads. This type of ball is perfect for your first attempts, but will be less resistant. For smaller children, opt for a PVC or rubber ball, preferably a size 3.

The training soccer ball

Destined for practicing soccer, a good quality practice ball is usually hand-sewn. Its panels are assembled with thicker threads to have more thickness. For a better touch and good bounce, the PVC or polyurethane ball is highly recommended. Resistant and robust, it allows intensive training and adapts to the weather.

The competition soccer ball

During soccer tournaments, the choice of ball often turns to thermo-bonded models. Resistant, flexible, waterproof, their hot gluing system offers a perfect sphericity, a better precision in the trajectory and a better control of the ball. The competition ball is recommended for professionals and expert players. However, you can also opt for a hand-sewn ball with a polyurethane outer cover for better performance on the field.

Machine sewn or iron-on football?

Machine sewn soccer ball

The machine sewn football consists of the assembly of the ball panels with a sewing machine. The threads used are often very fine threads, which are not very resistant. Light and adapted to the practice of soccer initiation, it is intended for the apprentices and the beginners to discover the soccer gently.

Soccer with thermo-glue

Assembled according to the technique of thermobonding, the thermobonded football consists of a hot gluing of the various panels which constitute it. The ball does not require any sewing. This type of accessory is very resistant and extremely tight with a perfect sphericity. The thermobonded ball can be used on different types of grounds. This type of product is often used by professional players because of its robustness and the precision of the shots.

Verdict

Machine-sewn or iron-on, each type of soccer ball is suitable for playing the sport. If the machine-sewn ball helps the youngest to learn about soccer and allows the beginners to learn at the same time, the iron-on ball is intended for expert and professional players.

Tips

Choose the right soccer ball for your level of practicality

Depending on your level of practice, there is always a suitable soccer ball. All you need to know is whether you are a beginner, amateur or professional.

Pick a ball that is age appropriate

When choosing a soccer ball, consider your age first. You should also be aware that each age group has its own size of football.

Replace your worn out ball

A worn ball can be recognized by its outward appearance. If you notice that your soccer ball is too worn out, it is imperative that you replace it, as this is not good for any player in terms of performance.

Make sure your soccer ball is properly inflated before you play

A deflated ball is not very recommended for playing soccer. So, you need to ensure that your ball is inflated before you step on the field to perfect your game.

Pack a soccer ball as a gift

Inflating a soccer ball is not very common. To do this, you can put a simple ribbon with a bow on top, loosely, to give as a gift.

FAQ

What color to choose for a soccer ball?

Depending on your favorite color, you can choose the color you want for your soccer ball. In fact, there are currently several colors available depending on the model.

What type of soccer ball is allowed for FIFA and six Confederations competitions?

Only balls with the official Fifa Approved, FIFA inspected, or International Matchball Standard are allowed for FIFA and six Confederations competitions.

What ball to become better at soccer?

To become a better footballer, consider the various criteria for choosing a ball according to your age, level and type of pitch.

What size soccer ball to choose for a child?

For children, it is best to opt for a size 3 ball if it is their first experience of learning soccer.

What is the weight of a soccer ball?

In general, the weight of a soccer ball is between 396 and 453 grams at most. FIFA recommends using a truncated icosahedron (soccer ball) that weighs about 430 grams.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. How to choose your football, Conseils.casalsport.com
  3. Previous article Football buying guide, Decathlonpro.fr
  4. How to inflate a soccer? - The Click Blog!, Blog.clickforfoot.com
  5. How to Improve Your Soccer Ball?, Blog.action-sejours.com
  6. See the Soccer Ball Sizing Guide, Casalsport.com
  7. A App That Measures the Pressure of a Soccer Ball, Lesechos.fr
  8. How Much Does a Soccer Ball Weigh?, Lequipe.fr
  9. Statistics : Soccer Balls Produced in the World, Planetoscope.com
  10. How to Choose a Soccer Ball, protips.dickssportinggoods.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue 9
Select number 10 soccer ball - White/Royal Blue
Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3 10
Ballon de football Capitano Adidas – taille 3
Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball 11
Official Adidas World Cup Match Ball
Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte 12
Ballon d'entraînement Adidas MLS Nativo XXV unisexe pour adulte

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