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Do you want to play soccer because you think it’s a sport with amazing skills? Then, to begin with, you’ll need a decent soccer ball. We at Reliable Sporting have put together an extensive guide for you after conducting our own independent reviews of numerous soccer balls for 2024.
A few of the soccer balls we’ve looked at here are the best available and have FIFA’s official match ball certification. For players looking for the best durability and performance, these are perfect.
However, we also offer official replica balls that are well-made and appropriate for practice sessions if you’re searching for a less expensive option. You can raise your game without going over budget with these.
- How To Choose A Soccer Ball
- Our Hotlist For The Best Soccer Ball In Each Category
- Overall Best Soccer Ball: Nike Premier League Flight
- Best Soccer Ball In Budget: Champion Sports Viper
- Best Soccer Ball For Practice: adidas MLS Training Ball
- Best Soccer Ball For Under 7 Year Olds (Size 3): adidas MLS Club
- Best Soccer Ball For 8-11 Year Olds (Size 4): Nike NWSL Academy
- Best Soccer Ball For Teenagers (Size 5): adidas Tango Glider
- Best Soccer Ball For Futsal: SENDA Rio Match Low Bounce Futsal Ball
- Best Soccer Ball For Design: adidas Al Rihla FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
- Best adidas Soccer Ball: adidas Final Oceaunz Pro Official Match Ball
- Best Nike Soccer Ball: Nike Academy Team
- Best Puma Soccer Ball: PUMA teamFINAL 21.2 FIFA Quality Pro Ball
- Best Wilson Soccer Ball: WILSON NCAA Official Match Ball
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soccer Balls
How To Choose A Soccer Ball
With so many options available, how do you choose the best soccer ball for your needs? Below we will guide you through some key factors to consider when choosing a soccer ball, such as its type, size, material, and price.
Type of Soccer Ball
The first thing to consider is what type of soccer ball you need. There are different types of soccer balls designed for different purposes and playing environments. Here are some common types of soccer balls:
Premium match balls: These are the highest quality soccer balls that meet the official standards of FIFA, the international governing body of soccer. They are used for professional matches and tournaments, and they offer the best performance, durability, and consistency. They are also the most expensive type of soccer balls.
Match balls: These are also high-quality soccer balls that meet the official size, weight, and shape regulations. They are used for competitive matches and leagues, and they offer good performance and durability. They are cheaper than premium match balls, but still more expensive than training balls.
Training balls: These are soccer balls that are designed for practice and recreational use. They are more durable than match balls, since they have to withstand frequent use on various surfaces. They are also cheaper than match balls, but they may not offer the same level of performance and consistency.
Mini/skills balls: These are small soccer balls that are used to improve footwork, skills, and coordination. They are not used for matches, but for fun or training purposes. They are also very affordable and simple to carry around.
Size of Soccer Ball
The next thing to consider is the size of the soccer ball. Soccer balls come in four sizes, numbered from 1 to 5. The size of the soccer ball you need depends on your age group and the rules of your league or competition. Here are the general guidelines for soccer ball sizes:
Size 5: This is the standard size for adult players and players above 12 years old. It has a circumference of 68-70 cm and a weight of 410-450 g.
Size 4: This is the size for youth players between 8 and 12 years old. It has a circumference of 63.5-66 cm and a weight of 350-390 g.
Size 3: This is the size for children under 8 years old. It has a circumference of 58.5-61 cm and a weight of 300-320 g.
Size 1 and 2: These are mini or skills balls that have a circumference of less than 50 cm and a weight of less than 200 g.
Material of Soccer Ball
Another factor to consider is the material of the soccer ball. The material affects the feel, durability, and performance of the soccer ball. Soccer balls consist of two parts: a casing and a bladder.
The casing is the outer layer that covers the panels of the soccer ball. The panels are the octagon-shaped quilts that you see on the surface of the soccer ball. The number of panels can vary from 18 to 32, depending on the design of the ball. Different materials can be used to make the casing, such as:
PVC (poly vinyl carbonate): This is a plastic material that is cheap, hard, and durable. It is suitable for training balls and recreational balls that have to endure rough use.
PU (polyurethane): This is a synthetic material that is soft, smooth, and responsive. It is suitable for match balls and premium match balls that offer better control and feel.
Synthetic leather: This is a high-quality material that mimics the natural leather used in traditional soccer balls. It is suitable for professional match balls that offer the best performance and consistency.
The bladder is the inner compartment that holds the air inside the soccer ball. The bladder can be made of different materials, such as:
Latex: This is a natural rubber material that is soft and elastic. It offers a good feel and bounce, but it also loses air quickly and needs to be inflated frequently.
Butyl: This is a synthetic rubber material that is tough and resistant. It offers a good air retention and shape retention, but it also feels harder and less responsive.
Price of Soccer Ball
The last factor to consider is the price of the soccer ball. The price depends on the type, size, material, and quality of the soccer ball. Generally speaking, premium match balls are the most expensive, followed by match balls, training balls, and mini/skills balls.
The price also varies depending on the brand, design, and features of the soccer ball. Some soccer balls may have special technologies, such as thermal bonding, textured surfaces, or aerodynamic patterns, that claim to enhance the performance and durability of the ball.
The price of a soccer ball can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. You should choose a soccer ball that fits your budget and your needs. You don’t have to buy the most expensive soccer ball if you are not a professional player or if you are not playing in a serious competition. You can also find good deals and discounts online or in stores if you shop around.
Conclusion
Choosing a soccer ball is not as simple as it seems. You have to consider several factors, such as the type, size, material, and price of the soccer ball. You also have to test the soccer ball yourself and see how it feels and performs.
The best soccer ball for you is the one that meets your needs and preferences, and that gives you the most enjoyment and satisfaction when playing soccer. We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to choose a soccer ball and find the perfect one for you.
Our Hotlist For The Best Soccer Ball In Each Category
- Overall Best Soccer Ball: Nike Premier League Flight
- Best Soccer Ball In Budget: Champion Sports Viper
- Best Soccer Ball For Practice: adidas MLS Training Ball
- Best Soccer Ball For Under 7 Year Olds (Size 3): adidas MLS Club
- Best Soccer Ball For 8-11 Year Olds (Size 4): Nike NWSL Academy
- Best Soccer Ball For Teenagers (Size 5): adidas Tango Glider
- Best Soccer Ball For Futsal: SENDA Rio Match Low Bounce Futsal Ball
- Best Soccer Ball For Design: adidas Al Rihla FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
- Best adidas Soccer Ball: adidas Final Oceaunz Pro Official Match Ball
- Best Nike Soccer Ball: Nike Academy Team
- Best Puma Soccer Ball: PUMA teamFINAL 21.2 FIFA Quality Pro Ball
- Best Wilson Soccer Ball: WILSON NCAA Official Match Ball
Overall Best Soccer Ball: Nike Premier League Flight
Are you prepared for more Premier League action this coming season? Presenting the ball that is capable of handling anything. The Nike Flight football is back, and this time it has an enhanced design that will up the ante at every game. This ball is made to help you excel on the field every time you play, with its shaped channels for smoother flight and its textured surface for optimal grip in any situation.
The Nike Flight football is an engineering marvel rather than just a football. To design the ideal ball for reliable flight, 1,700 hours of testing over eight years were required. The ball’s unique molded grooves and 3D-printed ink maximize its aerodynamics and aid in players’ accurate and precise ball control.
You can achieve incredible goals and reach your maximum potential with the Nike Flight football—every time.
| Material: | 37% Polyurethane (PU), 33% Rubber, 20% Polyester, 10% Cotton |
| Available Colors: | White/Total Orange/Black, White/Gold/Blue/Black |
| Size: | 5 |
| Styles: | FB2979-100, DN3602-100 |
Best Soccer Ball In Budget: Champion Sports Viper
With the Champion Sports Viper Soccer Ball, you can have fun and advance your skills in recreational games or classroom instruction. With a TPU cover that makes it incredibly soft and comfortable to touch, kick, and head, this soccer ball comes in sizes 3, 4, and 5. In addition, machine-stitched panels and an airlock butyl bladder keep it sturdy and inflated for both indoor and outdoor use. For practice and enjoyment, the Champion Sports Viper Soccer Ball is an excellent option.
| Material: | 4-ply soft touch PU synthetic leather cover |
| Sizes: | 3, 4, 5 |
| Available Colors: | Yellow/Black/White, Red/Black/White, Blue/Black/White |
| Models: | SKU VIPER3, SKU VIPER4, SKU VIPER5 |
Best Soccer Ball For Practice: adidas MLS Training Ball
Playing with a ball that matches your skill level, the adidas MLS Training Soccer Ball, will be fun for you. With a rubber bladder, a nylon-wound carcass, and a TPU cover that give it strength and a smooth surface, this ball is built to last. The ball’s striking design, which features the MLS logo along with stars, stripes, maple leaves, and city names, also flaunts your enthusiasm for the league.
| Material: | Butyl |
| Available Colors: | White/Blur/Red, White/Solar Yellow/Power Blue |
| Sizes: | 4, 5 |
Best Soccer Ball For Under 7 Year Olds (Size 3): adidas MLS Club
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of listening to passionate soccer supporters sing. With a stylish design influenced by music posters, this adidas ball pays homage to the songs and chants that make MLS stadiums come alive. But it’s more than just a pretty face. With a machine-stitched construction and a butyl bladder that allows you to repeatedly demonstrate your skills, it is made to last.
| Material: | Butyl |
| Available Colors: | White/Blue/Bright Cyan, White/Red/Solar Pink, White/Black/Iron Metallic |
| Sizes: | 3, 4, 5 |
Best Soccer Ball For 8-11 Year Olds (Size 4): Nike NWSL Academy
With your abilities and self-assurance, you can rule the field—all you need is the NWSL Academy Soccer Ball. You can always hit your target with this ball because of its special grooves, which help you control your spin and trajectory. The NWSL Academy Soccer Ball will provide you with the advantage you need to perform well for the entire ninety minutes, whether you’re honing your passes, dribbles, or shots.
| Material: | 67% rubber, 10% polyurethane (PU), 13% polyester, 10% ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) |
| Available Colors: | White/Hyper Violet/Bright Crimson/Metallic Silver |
| Sizes: | 3, 4, 5 |
| Style: | DV0766-100 |
Best Soccer Ball For Teenagers (Size 5): adidas Tango Glider
Official balls for the FIFA World Cup (1978–1982) and the UEFA European Championship (1980–1984, 1984– 1988). You get the idea, though! A tough and responsive training ball is the adidas Tango Glider Soccer Ball. It features thirty-two machine-stitched panels for enduring durability. The ball’s exterior is soft to the touch, enabling fine control and accuracy. Additionally, the ball features a Butyl bladder for maximum air retention and low maintenance.
| Material: | Synthetic Butyl |
| Available Colors: | White/Black |
| Sizes: | 3, 4, 5 |
Best Soccer Ball For Futsal: SENDA Rio Match Low Bounce Futsal Ball
A top-notch futsal ball with low bounce is Senda Rio Futsal. It feels better and has a softer touch thanks to its sturdy cover and unique foam backing. Additionally, it features a reinforced bladder with synthetic and rubber materials that prolongs the life of the air inside and minimizes the need for re-inflations. U.S. Youth Futsal, a partner organization that promotes the expansion and advancement of youth futsal in the nation, has designated this ball as their official selection. All upkeep.
| Material: | Rubber |
| Available Colors: | White/Green/Yellow/Navy Blue, White/Light Blue/Dark Blue/Black |
| Sizes: | 2, 3, 4 |
Best Soccer Ball For Design: adidas Al Rihla FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Speed lines on the ball improve its performance, and it was designed with inspiration from futuristic stadiums.The ball’s forms and grooves provide ideal flight stability. The pearlescent white base symbolizes Qatar’s long-standing pearl industry.The ball is just the beginning of the journey that is known as Al Rihla. Awaiting you is your football journey. The official match ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM, the seamless adidas Al Rihla Pro ball raises the bar for accuracy. The dhow has an impact on the Speedshell panel’s shape, and to increase swerve and accuracy, it features texturing and diamond debossing. The pearlescent finish adds a shimmer to the vivid graphics.
| Material: | 70% polyurethane, 20% recycled polyester, 10% viscose cover |
| Available Colors: | White / Pantone |
| Sizes: | 4, 5 |
Best adidas Soccer Ball: adidas Final Oceaunz Pro Official Match Ball
The ball that will change history is this one. The official match soccer ball for the three most crucial games of the FIFA Women’s World CupTM—the semifinals, the third-place playoff, and the championship—is the adidas Final Oceaunz Pro Ball. The gorgeous scenery of Australia and New Zealand, as well as the glistening FIFA trophy that awaits the winners, served as inspiration for the color scheme. Its seamless construction allows it to fly and bounce with ease, and it bears FIFA’s highest quality seal—the Quality Pro stamp.
| Material: | 70% polyurethane, 20% recycled polyester, 10% viscose cover |
| Available Colors: | Gold Metallic/Dark Blue/Clear Aqua/Solar Orange, Solar Orange/Black/Iron Metallic/Silver Metallic, White/Collegiate Navy/Bold Blue/Bright Blue |
| Sizes: | 5 |
Best Nike Soccer Ball: Nike Academy Team
The Nike Club Elite Team Soccer Ball is so incredible that you won’t believe it. Its textured shell with stabilizing grooves makes it easy to control the ball. Whether you’re dribbling, passing, or shooting, this ball will make a difference. It’s meant to fly into the goal and turn you into a field celebrity.
| Material: | 40% rubber, 40% synthetic leather, 15% synthetic, 5% cotton |
| Available Colors: | White/Black/(Light Blue Fury), White/Black/(Bolt), White/Black/(Total Orange) |
| Sizes: | 3, 4, 5 |
Best Puma Soccer Ball: PUMA teamFINAL 21.2 FIFA Quality Pro Ball
Play with the same ball that the top teams and players in the world use and feel the rush. Because it is constructed with FIFA®-grade materials, this ball will last longer and maintain its shape. Additionally, it boasts a dynamic aerodynamic design that increases your on-field power and accuracy. For the ultimate performance, this is the ball of choice.
| Material: | 30% synthetic leather, 30% synthetic rubber foam, 30% synthetic rubber, 10% polyester |
| Available Colors: | Lemon Tonic/Spectra Green/Ocean Depths/Puma Black/Omphalodes |
| Sizes: | 5 |
Best Wilson Soccer Ball: WILSON NCAA Official Match Ball
With the Wilson NCAA Vivido Soccer ball, the official ball of the NCAA College Cup Championships for both men and women, get ready for the ultimate soccer experience. With its 20-panel design and geometric patterns, this incredible ball allows you to see and follow its movement from a distance.
You get exact control and accuracy with every shot thanks to the superior cover and Visual spin technology. The Wilson NCAA Vivido Soccer ball is designed to be durable and competitively effective. Play with the best ball in the game—don’t pass up this chance!
| Material: | Internal: Sewn Reinforced Cloth, Panel Construction: Fused, Outer Cover: Micro-Textured TPU Leather |
| Available Colors: | White/Orange/Purple, Yellow/Orange/Purple |
| Styles: | Vanquish, Veza, Vivido |
| Panel Configuration: | 20 |
| Sizes: | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Soccer Balls
Que: What’s a Size 1 Soccer ball?
Ans: The smallest size soccer ball is size 1. They typically have an elevation of 18 to 20 circumference, or a periphery of 5.73 to 6.36 elevation. At ocean position, they are normally inflated between 8.5 and 15.6 PSI. A Size 1 soccer ball is ideal for young athletes under the age of four. It weighs approximately seven ounces. These are sometimes referred to as “mini soccer balls,” and in addition to being used as collectible monuments, they can be used to practice footwork and ball control.
Que: What’s a Size 3 Soccer ball?
Ans: Soccer balls in size 3 are excellent for younger or less skilled players, ages 7 and under. They typically have an elevation of 23 to 24 circumference. There is a weight requirement of 11–12 ounces. A Size 4 soccer ball is what? Youth soccer balls, or size 4, are intended for players aged eight to eleven. Their circumferences typically range from 25 to 26 elevation. At ocean position, their weight and pressure should be between 12 and 14 ounces and 8.5 and 15.6 PSI, respectively.
Que: What’s a Size 5 Soccer ball?
Ans: The approved size soccer ball for players 12 years of age and older, as well as professional players, is size 5. Select a size 5 ball if you want the same ball that is used by FIFA or MLS. Their circumference is typically between 27 and 28 elevation. The ball must be inflated to a pressure of between 8.7 and 16.0 psi at ocean position and weigh between 14 and 16 ounces, according to approved rules.
Que: What’s the difference between a futsal ball and a soccer ball?
Ans: Similar in size to a size 4 soccer ball, a futsal ball is heavier and will not bounce as much on an interior futsal court.
Que: What’s the difference between a match ball and training ball?
Ans: Match balls are typically constructed with high-quality accessories (leather or an authorized original) and are intended to adhere to size, weight, and excessive pressure regulations. Soccer balls for matches are more beneficial than practice balls.
