The 7 Best Soccer Balls (2024)
Gone are the days of high school when we played with the worst balls, or literally anything we could find.
Today is all about quality, and about effective training equipment to suit our needs.
In my experience playing abroad and testing the best balls in the world, I made a list of the best balls you could buy in 2024.
It doesn’t matter if you plan on training, collecting, or doing whatever you want with it: there is a ball waiting for you!
My Top Picks
Best Overall: Adidas Al Rihla
Best Reliable: Nike Premier League Flight
Best Budget: Mitre Impel
Best Futsal: Senda Rio Match
What are the best soccer balls in 2024?
When choosing a soccer ball, you must understand the different terminologies and contexts before you decide to invest in your next training addition.
The truth is that the soccer ball can serve a different purpose: a futsal ball is not the same as a normal soccer ball designed for natural grass or artificial (turf)…
However, all balls need to have minimum quality.
These are 3 simple points to take into consideration when looking for the best soccer ball:
Quality Tested (FIFA Quality Pro, IMS, NFHS for the USA)
Ball Size
Price (Match Replica vs Official Match Ball)
(Please check the section at the bottom of the page for details about each point).
With that in mind, let’s find the perfect ball for you!
1. Adidas Al Rihla (Best Overall)
The Official Ball of the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup, the Al Rihla deserves its spot as number 1 as it is my favorite soccer ball.
The 2022 World Cup was full of style: Mbappé’s Mercurial Superfly, the beautiful Qatar stadiums… and the ball was no different.
Being a high-quality soccer ball, the Al-Rihla (The Journey in Arabic) is made with 70% Polyurethane leather, the best material for soccer balls.
The bladder (inside) is a rubber bladder, giving it a better bounce and a soft touch.
The ball looks amazing with its eye-catching colors…imagine when it is curling into the top corner…
Pros
One of the best-looking soccer ball
Passed the Fifa Quality Pro test (highest certification)
Made with high-quality materials
Cons
A little pricier than other balls.
Official Ball
The official match ball is the same ball quality and build used by the professionals. It is more expensive, but better quality.
Match Replica
A match replica is, as the name states, a replica of the official ball. The ball is still good and has some of the technological advancements of the official, however, the quality is a bit lower.
2. Nike Premier League Flight (Best Reliable)
The official match ball of the English Premier League takes our number 2 spot.
Made with 37% PU material, Nike went all out on the material (ACC) to give you a good grip and to produce a reliable ball, no matter the weather (great water resistance).
This soccer ball also has more consistent flights when you shoot due to its Aerowsculpt technology, allowing it to maintain speed and trajectory.
Pros
Fifa Quality Pro certified
Increased accuracy
Consistent Ball (Weather Proof)
Cons
- A little expensive
Reported feeling heavier than other balls
Official Ball
The official match ball is the same ball quality and build used by the professionals. It is more expensive, but better quality.
Match Replica
A match replica is, as the name states, a replica of the official ball. The ball is still good and has some of the technological advancements of the official, however, the quality is a bit lower.
3. Derbystar Brilliant APS
The Derbystar is the official match ball of the Bundesliga in Germany. Germans are known for their long balls and exceptional ball control, as well as Derbystar balls.
It is one of the finest soccer balls in the world and takes our spot in number 3.
The Derbstar is perhaps one of the most durable soccer balls you can find, and part of that is due to what the ball is made from.
It is made with PU material and its latex bladder makes it a nice bouncy ball.
Pros
Fifa Quality Pro Certified
Made with top-quality material
Cons
It is reported to not hold air for too long (which is kind of normal with latex bladder balls). Typically need to pump air weekly.
Official Ball
The official match ball is the same ball quality and build used by the professionals. It is more expensive, but better quality.
Match Replica
A match replica is, as the name states, a replica of the official ball. The ball is still good and has some of the technological advancements of the official, however, the quality is a bit lower.
4. Adidas Tango
The Adidas Tango is a timeless soccer ball that was based on the 1978 Fifa World Cup in Argentina.
This ball is hand-sewn, making it one of the most durable soccer balls out there. Its bladder is made from butyl rubber bladder, which gives it good air retention.
The Tango is made with 100% PU material. They are known for their soft surface, meaning you can practice your headers easier, and improve your finishing.
Pros
Exceptional durability
Soft Outside
Budget-Friendly
Cons
Bit bouncy
Fifa Quality Certification (not Pro), which still makes it a good quality soccer ball
Official Ball
The official match ball is the same ball quality and build used by the professionals. It is more expensive, but better quality.
Match Replica
A match replica is, as the name states, a replica of the official ball. The ball is still good and has some of the technological advancements of the official, however, the quality is a bit lower.
5. Mitre Impel (Best Budget)
Although Mitre is a great soccer ball company that produces good quality products, I went with the Impel since it is one of the best training soccer balls out there, but any ball by Mitre is good quality.
The Impel is known for being budget-friendly. At this price point, no ball beats it.
Durable, reliable, and with great air retention, this ball has a soft foam lining, which makes it a nice cushion for touches and shots, and great for practicing your footwork.
I used these as training balls because I could buy them in bulk, and I suggest everyone do the same.
Pros
Reliable in all weather conditions
Durable and great shape retention
Low Price
Cons
May feel lighter than other balls
No Fifa Certifications
Mitre Impel
6. Senda Rio Match Futsal Ball (Best Futsal)
When it comes to futsal, the expectations of a ball are different than that of a regular soccer ball. The Rio match futsal ball from Senda is the best futsal ball to meet these expectations.
Futsal (indoor soccer), is played on hard court that is smaller than a pitch, and therefore requires a non-bouncy ball that has a soft touch.
The Senda is durable, and it was built with material to minimize bounces. The bladder and the thermal construction (high heat) means that this ball has great air retention.
The ball has a soft touch thanks to its secial foam backing, which can give a better grip and softer touch on your futsal shoes.
Pros
- Low bounce
- Premium baldder means you don’t need to inflate it often
- Machine stitched, strong construction for durability
- Soft cover for better grip and touches
Cons
- No quality certification of any kind, as compared to regular soccer balls.
Senda Rio
7. Adidas Jabulani
And last but definitely not least, we have the iconic Jabulani. When I see this ball, I can’t help but scream TCHABALALAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.
Built with 8 thermally bonded panels (instead of 16), it is intended to have a bigger ”striking surface” according to Adidas.
This ball is known for its unpredictable trajectory and lack of rotations during shots, making it a nightmare for goalkeepers as it always ends in the back of the net somehow.
Although this ball will make soccer purists happy, it is only great to own one for its legendary status.
I wouldn’t practice with it since Adidas stopped producing them and they are becoming rare.
Pros
Iconic
Your shots will look amazing
Cons
Rare since Adidas stopped producing them
Size Guide for a Soccer Ball
Here is the appropriate size for soccer balls.
When it comes to soccer, size 5 is played in professional leagues and for any youth soccer players over the age of 12.
Personally, I like to use the size 1 to improve my touch by juggling with it. Check out my guide on how to improve as a soccer player.
What are the certifications?
A FIFA Quality Pro ball is the best award given to a soccer ball by FIFA. Immediately under is the FIFA Quality.
The FIFA points are:
Circumference
Ball weight
Roundness
Water absorption
Bounce
Size and shape retention
Loss of pressure
The IMS certification is for balls that are International Match standards.
What is the proper air pressure of a soccer ball?
Your best bet is to inflate your soccer ball between 8.5 psi and 15.6 psi. When feeling it, the ball should have a nice firmness to it, while still being able to push your thumb slightly into it.
A bounce test is also a good way to tell if a ball is inflated correctly.
When dropping a ball, if the bounce reaches 2/3 of the initial height position, you are in the good air pressure range.
Conclusion
Whenever you are ready to get a new ball, this guide is the perfect start to inform yourself.
Purchasing a soccer ball can be somewhat of a tough decision.
After all, you are kicking the thing and want it to last longer, but at the same time, you want it to feel as professional and realistic as possible.
Whether it is the beautiful and vibrant colors of the Al-Rihla, or the reliable Nike Premier League Flight, or even the timeless Tango, there is a soccer ball for every player out there…
And it is waiting to be kicked into the top corner 😉
