All-New Nike Merlin 2018-19 Ball Revealed - First Ball With ACC + Bladder Wrapped in Cloth
Nike today launched the all-new Merlin ball for the 2018-19 season, replacing the Nike Ordem. The first-ever Nike ball with ACC (All Conditions Control) technology, the new Nike Merlin is Nike's new ball for the 2018-19 season and beyond.
The name of Nike's 2018-19 football is not a reinvention. In fact, the name directly arises from the classic Nike Geo Merlin football. The Nike Geo Merlin has been the name of the official match ball of the English Premier League seasons between 2000-2004. It was the first-ever Premier League ball made by Nike.
Nike Merlin - Nike 2018-19 Ball
The Nike Merlin will be the first-ever Nike ball to feature Nike ACC.
Most importantly, the new Nike Merlin football has fewer seems and a larger sweet spot than any Nike football to date - the Nike Merlin 2018-2019 football does not come with a traditional 12-panel construction but a 4-panel configuration to reduce seams while opening up a wider striking surface.
The Nike Merlin 2018-2019 football is the first-ever Nike ball to feature Nike's ACC (All Conditions Control) technology. Made for ultimate control in all weather conditions, the Nike ACC technology was introduced for football boots in late 2012.
Another new innovation of the ball are so-called 3-D ink patterns that strategically raise the texture in certain zones for better boot-to-ball interaction.
The most interesting feature, however, might be that the latex bladder wrapped in cloth to maintain air pressure more consistently than traditional rubber bladders.
Nike Merlin - Tech Features
- 4-panel construction reduces seams and enlarges the striking surface
- 3-D ink patterns apply variations for increased control.
- Nike Aerowtrac grooves for more consistency in ball spin
- Foam casing consists of multiple layers of polyurethane bonded together with a cloth backer
- ACC upper technology for better control in all weather conditions
- Latex bladder wrapped in cloth maintains air pressure more consistently than traditional rubber bladders, keeping the ball shape spherical.
The new Nike Premier League 18-19 ball will be called Nike Merlin Premier League, the La Liga ball will be known as 'Nike Merlin La Liga' and the Serie A ball 'Nike Merlin Serie A'.
The Nike Merlin football will retail at around 150 USD, similar to the Nike Ordem. The ball is to hit stores in Summer 2018.
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Unique Svolme Delsalma-4 LE Boots Spotted at 2026 World Cup
During the 2026 World Cup, an extremely rare pair of football boots was spotted on the feet of Japanese player Junnosuke Suzuki in Monterrey, Mexico. The boots in question are the Svolme Delsalma-4 LE, a limited-edition release from the Japanese sports brand Svolme. Suzuki's pair is one of only 1,248 produced globally, making it a highly exclusive model on the international stage. Thanks to @abcdefutbol.
The Svolme Delsalma-4 LE is designed as a touch-focused boot, featuring a premium kangaroo leather upper that provides a soft and natural feel on the ball. The brand, which is well-known in Japan but rarely seen in major global competitions, released this limited run to coincide with the tournament in North America. Suzuki’s choice to wear the Delsalma-4 LE highlights a unique piece of Japanese football equipment during the biggest international competition.
Barrow AFC 2026-27 Home & Away Kits Released
National League side Barrow AFC have completed their 2026-27 kit lineup with the launch of their new away shirt. Made by Puma, the away kit follows the release of the club's home strip earlier this month, confirming the brand as their technical sponsor for the upcoming season.
The Barrow AFC 2026-27 home kit, originally unveiled on June 1, is billed as "125 Years In The Making." The design serves as a traditional and commemorative tribute to the Cumbrian club's 125th anniversary. The newly revealed away kit provides a contrasting alternative for their travels, rounding out the wardrobe as they prepare for their National League campaign following their recent relegation from League Two.
Special Commemorative Patches for 1000th FIFA World Cup Match
To mark a significant milestone in football history, special commemorative patches were featured during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group F match between Tunisia and Japan in Monterrey. The fixture officially marked the 1000th match in the history of the tournament.
In recognition of the occasion, both the Japan and Tunisia national teams wore mini Match 1000 arm patches on their jerseys. The special detailing was spotted on the players' kits during the game, as well as on the shirts laid out in the dressing rooms beforehand.
The commemorative design was not limited to the competing teams, as the match officials also wore the Match 1000 patch on their referee kits. This subtle yet historic addition provided a unique touch to the kits for the milestone game.
https://www.footyheadlines.com/7065061298/special-adidas-world-cup-match-1000-referee-shirt.html
Manuel Neuer Wears Special 'Legacy' and 'Golden Gloves' Patches at 2026 World Cup
Following Luka Modrić and Lionel Messi, Manuel Neuer became the next player to wear two special patches when he appeared in Germany's second group-stage match against Ivory Coast.
On his right sleeve was the "Legacy" patch (which had already appeared in the opening match), while on his left sleeve was the "Golden Glove" patch, honoring the individual award he won at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
All Special 2026 World Cup Player Patches Revealed - Footy Headlines
