Budapest will serve as the backdrop for a visually striking UEFA Champions League final in , with adidas unveiling the official match ball for the competition. The design, revealed on Monday, , draws heavily from the Hungarian capital’s unique identity, described as “Buda and Pest – a Tale of Two Cities.”
The ball’s aesthetic aims to capture the contrasting yet harmonious elements that define Budapest – its historic architecture alongside its vibrant nightlife, its classical elegance balanced with contemporary energy. Adidas has translated these characteristics into a design intended for football’s most prestigious club competition.
At the core of the design is a rich purple metallic base, finished with a chameleon pigment that subtly shifts in tone depending on the light and viewing angle. This base is contrasted by crisp, white star panels, a hallmark of the Champions League match balls. The spaces between the stars are filled with layered purple blocking, further enhanced by dynamic graphic detailing.
The graphic system itself is inspired by liquid forms and Budapest’s Art Nouveau tradition, reflecting the city’s rich architectural and decorative arts heritage. A vibrant color palette, described as a contemporary interpretation of Budapest’s artistic legacy, is complemented by flowing textures and luminous accents that evoke the city’s rivers, bridges, and illuminated streets.
Paying homage to local symbolism, the ball incorporates iconic lion and dragon motifs, representing strength, pride, and guardianship over the city. These figures are integrated into the panel graphics, adding a distinctly Budapest flavor to the design. The adidas and UEFA Champions League logos are prominently displayed in bold yellow, providing a striking contrast and ensuring visibility on the pitch.
Beyond its visual appeal, the ball is engineered for peak performance. It features adidas’ thermally bonded, seamless construction, a technology proven to deliver exceptional accuracy, consistency, and control – crucial attributes for the high-intensity play of the Champions League. This construction method ensures the ball maintains its shape and responsiveness throughout the match.
The unveiling of this match ball also marks a significant milestone for adidas, celebrating 25 years of partnership with the UEFA Champions League. Over the past quarter-century, adidas has consistently delivered innovative designs and high-performance technology, shaping the look and feel of the competition’s iconic starball.
The UEFA Champions League Final Budapest 2026 Official Match Ball will debut during the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League season. It’s currently available for purchase through adidas stores, selected retail partners, and online at adidas.com. The release date is set for .
This new ball isn’t just a piece of sporting equipment; it’s a celebration of a host city and a continuation of a long-standing partnership between adidas and UEFA. The design choices, from the color palette to the symbolic motifs, demonstrate a commitment to honoring the cultural identity of Budapest while providing players with a ball that meets the demands of the highest level of competition.
