All-New Nike Merlin 2018-19 Ball Revealed - First Ball With ACC + Bladder Wrapped in Cloth
Feb 7, 2018, by Chris
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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OH Leuven 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Oud-Heverlee Leuven have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt introduces a bold dark look for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The Jako OH Leuven 2026-27 away shirt features a black base with deep green vertical stripes and vibrant orange pinstripes running down the body. Dark green detailing appears on the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the Jako logo and club crest are centrally positioned on the chest.
What do you think of the new OH Leuven 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
New Material for UEFA Champions League Patches?
Based on images from Manchester United's recent posts, it appears that the Starball and UEFA Foundation sleeve patches for the 26-27 UEFA Champions League might be moving away from the traditional velvet material. Instead, they seem to feature a noticeably thinner and flatter composition.
Without high-resolution close-ups, the exact material specifications cannot be fully confirmed just yet.
However, this potential shift remains unconfirmed, as other clubs have not displayed this change. Real Betis, for instance, still appeared with standard velvet-textured patches during their recent 26-27 Champions League portrait photoshoot sessions.
We will have to wait for official confirmation and close-up looks once the competition gets underway. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the collage.
Almere City 26-27 Cup Kit Released
Dutch club Almere City have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 Cup kit. Made by Craft, the special “HANASAKA!” shirt celebrates the club’s connection with Japan through owner Yanmar and the Yanmar Hanasaka International Youth Cup, an U19 tournament organised by Almere City at the Yanmar Stadion.
The Craft Almere City 2026-27 Cup shirt features a black base with subtle tonal cherry blossom branch motifs across the front. Mint green and pastel pink details add contrast, with a mint crew-neck collar and sponsor branding joined by a pink monochrome club crest, Craft logo and sleeve trims.
What do you think of the new Almere City 2026-27 Cup kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Sutton United 26-27 Third Kit Released
English club Sutton United and kit manufacturer VX3 have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Themed around the slogan "Where Passion Blooms," the release pays homage to the local area's historic lavender fields and was presented alongside players from the Sutton United Women's squad.
The VX3 Sutton United 26-27 third shirt is predominantly light lavender purple, paired with contrasting dark purple raglan sleeves and a matching polo collar. A monochrome purple club badge sits on the left chest, complemented by dark purple sponsor logos and an embroidered sprig of lavender on the upper back just below the neckline.
The new third kit completes Sutton United's kit set for the 2026-27 season alongside their previously released home and away strips.
Plymouth Argyle 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma and Plymouth Argyle have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Designed to make a bold visual impact on the pitch, the new strip brings back a vibrant tangerine look for the Pilgrims.
The Puma Plymouth Argyle 2026-27 third jersey combines a vivid orange base with contrasting black trim across the collar, shoulders, and cuffs. The front proudly features a monochrome black version of Argyle's iconic Mayflower crest, accompanied by black Puma cat branding and sponsor detailing from Lighthouse Charity.
The new third kit is available immediately via Argyle's official online store and in-person retail locations.
Catania FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Catania FC and technical sponsor Erreà have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Arriving as part of the brand's "COLORI DEI TERRITORI" collection, the release completes the club's full wardrobe for the new campaign following the earlier debuts of their volcanic-themed third and traditional rossazzurri home strips.
The Erreà Catania 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, accented with dark grey detailing along the thick V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder trims. Across the front and sleeves, the jersey incorporates a subtle tonal graphic pattern inspired by local Catanese heritage and the city's iconic elephant symbol.
The new Catania FC 26-27 away uniform is completed with matching shorts and socks and is available now through the club's official retail channels.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side FC Penafiel have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Nike, the secondary strip arrives two weeks after the release of the club's traditional red-and-black home jersey.
The Nike FC Penafiel 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, highlighted by a classic horizontal chest band in red that is bordered by thin black stripes. A black polo-style collar with a front insert adds a refined touch to the design. The Nike Swoosh and FC Penafiel crest are placed inside the red chest hoop, while the ABANCA sponsor logo appears in black across the midriff.
White shorts with black detailing and white socks round off the clean look of the new FC Penafiel 26-27 away uniform, which is already available to purchase through the club's official channels.
