World Cup 2010 Match Day Ball Revealed

The Gaffer — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:15:15 +0000

The official World Cup 2010 soccer ball from Adidas has been unveiled. Named Jabulani, the ball features a newly developed “Grip’n’Groove” ball technology, which provides an exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions. With only eight, thermally bonded 3-D panels, which are spherically molded for the first time, the ball is perfectly round and more accurate than ever before.

The word “Jabulani,” translated literally, means “to celebrate.”

Eleven different colors are used in the adidas “JABULANI”, the eleventh adidas World Cup ball. These 11 colors represent the 11 players in every team, the 11 official languages of South Africa and the 11 South African tribes that make the country one of the most ethnologically diverse countries on the African continent. The colorful design brings together the tremendous diversity of the country in harmonious unity. Four triangle-shaped design elements on a white background lend the ball a unique appearance in African spirit. Like the outer facade of Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium, individual design elements capture the colorfulness of South Africa.

In addition to the above video, here are two photographs of the ball as well as more information on how to buy the Jabulani ball:

Cape Town / Herzogenaurach (December 4, 2009) – adidas and FIFA present the adidas “JABULANI,” the Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. The “JABULANI,” which means “to celebrate” in isiZulu, features a South African inspired design and radically new technology. The new match ball will be available in stores starting December 4.

The newly developed “Grip’n’Groove” ball technology provides an exceptionally stable flight and perfect grip under all conditions. With only eight, thermally bonded 3-D panels, which are spherically molded for the first time, the ball is perfectly round and more accurate than ever before.

The Name:

The name ”JABULANI” originates from the Bantu language isiZulu, one of the eleven official languages of the Republic of South Africa, and spoken by almost 25% of the population. Translated literally, “JABULANI” means “to celebrate”. The name of the new match ball appropriately pays tribute to the passionate football celebration international fans will enjoy in South Africa next summer.

The Design:

3-D Panel Shapes:

The Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup features a completely new, ground-breaking technology. Eight 3-D spherically formed EVA and TPU panels are molded together, harmoniously enveloping the inner carcass. The result is an energetic unit combined with perfect roundness. Following the first tests, players all over the world are enthusiastic about the new ball:

The official 2010 World Cup ball is available to order online. It’s a perfect present for soccer players or fans. Order it today.

Attend the 2010 World Cup Match Day Ball Webcast

The Gaffer — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:41:24 +0000

On Friday December 4th at 9:45am ET, Adidas will be hosting a webcast featuring Sepp Blatter, Franz Beckenbauer and David Beckham to officially unveil the 2010 World Cup match day ball live from South Africa. The three will hand the ball over to the local organizing officials.

The event will run approximately 20 minutes. After the event, there will be a brief interlude before it switches to replay mode, allowing those who missed the launch to watch the press conference highlights.

Be sure to watch it here on World Cup Buzz!

World Cup News from World Cup Buzz » adidas

World Cup 2010 Match Day Ball Revealed

Attend the 2010 World Cup Match Day Ball Webcast