2000-2020 Full Adidas Champions League Ball History
Update: We have updated this article with many more detailed pictures of all (almost) Adidas UEFA Champions League balls released since Adidas took over from Nike in 2020. Just some days ago, Adidas released the Adidas Finale 20 Istanbul ball for the 2020 UEFA Champions League knockout stage, and also the final in Istanbul. All high-res pictures via ykyeco (adidasmatchballs.com).
UEFA Champions League Ball History
The Champions League star ball design is definitely the most iconic in the game.
The story starts in 2000, since wehn Adidas supplied the Champions League final ball. 2003-04 was the first season to feature a single ball - up until then teams used the same balls they had in their domestic league games. A big thanks goes to Bleacher Report, who crafted these spectacular graphics.
Throughout the years, despite updates in panel shape and tech, the overall 'Starball' approach stayed the same and helped create what is easily one of the most recognizable football designs. It's a telling sign that Adidas, who've been the official supplier since '03, decided to keep the license while dropping almost all others - it's the only major one the company holds besides the World Cup.
A new trend was started with last year's edition: instead of featuring dark stars on a white base, the concept was reverted. It might be a good idea to go back to what worked best next season - so far, there hasn't been a leak of the 2020-21 Champions League ball.
What's your favorite Champions League football? Are you a fan of the new 'reverted' color scheme? Comment below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2004/05 AC Milan Inzaghi #9 *Player Issue* Home Shirt (M) Adidas
2003/04 Juventus Trezeguet #17 *BNWT* Away Shirt (XL) Nike
O'Fenomeno Brazil 1998 Ronaldo Tee
1995/96 Shonan Bellmare Puma Rain Jacket (S/M)
1972/73 1860 Munich L/S Home Shirt (S) Erima
2019/20 Nice Tracksuit Top (M) Macron
2019/20 Valencia *BNWT* Stadium Jacket (Multiple Sizes) Puma
2006/07 USA Donovan #21 Home Shirt (M) Nike
1995/96 Tanjong Pajar Boys Club #3 Tartan Shirt (L) Umbro
Mexico Blanco Bootleg Tee
Nike and Kids of Immigrants Goalkeeper Jersey + Total 90 Shoes Released
Nike and streetwear label Kids of Immigrants have officially unveiled a comprehensive collaborative capsule collection. This wider release expands significantly upon the retro football aesthetic, offering a full range of apparel, accessories, and highly unique modified footwear.
The undeniable centerpiece of the expanded collection is the introduction of two bespoke slip-on mules, which draw heavy inspiration from the iconic Nike Total 90 football boot. The mules arrive in two distinct colorways: a muted beige and olive green iteration featuring a speckled sole, alongside a darker, glossy black and rich brown patent leather version. Both pairs are unified by a striking red and yellow outlined Swoosh on the midfoot and tongue, matching the vibrant accents found on the collection's primary jersey.
Rounding out the collaborative effort is a selection of matching apparel and accessories designed to complete the capsule. The standout piece of these other items is a special 1990s keeper kit.
Which item from the Nike x Kids of Immigrants collection is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The Nicest Boot Combos of the 2025-26 Season
The 2025-2026 season saw some great boot x kit combos. Huge thanks to Unisport for the great round-up.
