The Best Soccer Ball to Buy in 2024: Find Your Perfect Match
What is the best soccer ball on the market right now? Soccer, or football, is known as the beautiful game because it is the most popular sport in the world and because it is such a simple game that requires little to no gear or equipment to enjoy and get better at.
The only things you really need to play this game is a soccer ball and your bare feet. You don’t even need soccer cleats, unless you plan to play on a competitive team that trains and plays games weekly.
The soccer ball has a fascinating history, and with the help of variations of ball games played by ancient civilizations, we now have the modern soccer balls that most people are familiar with. In this blog I will explain how to choose a soccer ball, what a soccer ball is made of, and give recommendations for the best soccer balls to invest your money on right now.
How to Choose a Soccer Ball
Choosing the right soccer ball is essential for players of all ages and levels. Here are some tips to help you choose the right soccer ball for you:
Purpose and Playing Surface:
The first thing to consider when choosing a soccer ball is the purpose of the ball. If you are going to play on natural grass or artificial turf fields it is best to choose a a normal soccer, but if you are going to play on concrete such as during pickup games on concrete, indoor soccer or futsal it is best to use a smaller and heavier indoor soccer ball to limit its bounce.
Also if you are going to play any other variation of the game such as beach soccer, soccer tennis, or soccer ping pong, it is important to have the right type of ball.
Soccer Ball Size:
Soccer balls vary by sizes and weight depending on the age group and level of play.
- Size 5 is the standard size FIFA approved professional games
- Size 4 is for youth players aged 8-12
- Size 3 is for youth player aged 4-8.
- Size 2 and size 1 soccer balls are for players younger than 4 years old.
Materials:
Soccer balls are made of different materials and there are five main parts of a soccer ball:
- The ball’s cover, or the outer casing
- The ball’s inner linings
- The bladder
- The stitching
- The valve
Brand:
Choose a reputable brand that produces high-quality soccer balls, such as Mizuno, Adidas, Nike, and Puma.
Best Soccer Ball to Buy in 2024
One important thing to mention before I go over the best soccer ball to buy right now is that when you order a soccer ball online it is very likely that the ball will come deflated to lower shipping costs and to ensure the ball fits in the packaging.
That is why it is important to have a soccer ball pump, and carry it around in your soccer bag, to help you inflate the ball anytime it gets flat. If you do not have a ball pump you may be able to use common household items, but those tricks should only be used if you absolutely have to.
Best Overall Size 5 Soccer Ball: Nike Academy Team
NIKE Academy Team
$31.99
The Nike Academy Team soccer ball is a versatile choice designed for exceptional performance across various playing surfaces. It is a durable and high-quality soccer ball that is relatively cheap compared to other balls on the market that provide similar characteristics.
Pros:
- Durable construction for extended use.
- Excellent touch and responsiveness.
- Suitable for all levels of play.
Cons:
- It may be considered one of Nike’s lower-end balls, however relative to its price and quality this ball is one of the best.
Best Budget-Friendly Soccer Ball: Puma Orbita Soccer Ball
Puma Orbita Soccer Ball
$24.93
The Puma Orbita Soccer Ball combines affordability with quality, making it an excellent choice for soccer players who are on a budget. Its durable design ensures longevity, and it’s suitable for recreational play as well as some lower league official games or training sessions.
Pros:
- Affordable without compromising quality.
- Durable for regular use.
- Suitable for various age groups.
Cons:
- May lack the advanced features of premium balls.
Best Training Soccer Ball: Adidas MLS Soccer Ball
Adidas MLS Training Ball
$19.99
For players looking for a dedicated training ball, the Adidas MLS Soccer Ball stands out as the best training ball due to its durable and high quality materials as well as its reasonable price point.
Pros:
- Ideal for focused training sessions.
- Balanced weight for skill development.
- Affordable for routine use.
Cons:
- May lack the advanced features of match balls.
Best FIFA World Cup Soccer Ball: Adidas Al Rihla Pro Soccer Ball
Adidas Al Rihla Soccer Ball
$149.99
For players who want the same exact quality that the professional players at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar used, The Adidas Al Rihla Pro Soccer Ball will be the perfect choice for you.
Pros:
- Official ball used in the World Cup.
- Cutting-edge technology for elite performance.
- Suitable for advanced and professional players.
Cons:
- Higher price point than other options on this list
Best Size 4 Soccer Ball: Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball
The Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball is perfect for young or beginner players aged 8-12. With a classic soccer ball appearance, durable construction, and different color ways such as the classic black and white or all black, it strikes a balance between affordability and performance for both training and matches.
Pros:
- Ideal size for youth players.
- Durable construction for extended use.
- Suitable for both training and matches.
Cons:
- Not suitable for older more advanced players or official adult matches
Best Size 3 Soccer Ball: Champion Sports Viper Soccer Ball
The Champion Sports Viper Soccer Ball is perfect for young or beginner players aged 4-8. Featuring a durable cover, it’s age-appropriate for skill development and offers an affordable option for beginners.
Pros:
- Perfect for youth players
- Durable and age-appropriate construction.
- Budget-friendly for beginners.
Cons:
- Not suitable for older or more advanced players.
Best Size 2 Soccer Ball: America Challenge Brasilia
America Challenge Brasilia
$21.50
The American Challenge Brasilia is a size 2 soccer ball designed for players transitioning from the size 1 soccer ball and it is perfect for young or beginner players who are not yet ready to use a size 3 ball.
Pros:
- Ideal size for transitional play.
- Durable for regular use.
- Suitable for skill development.
Cons:
Best Size 1 Soccer Ball: Adidas Unisex Adult Olympics Mini Ball
Adidas Olympics Mini Ball
$21.50
The Adidas Unisex Adult Olympics Mini Ball is a small-sized ball perfect for skill development in young players, skill development in older players who want to be challenged by training with smaller balls, or can make for a great collection gift.
Pros:
- Perfect for skill development.
- Small size for controlled play.
- Can be collected
Cons:
- limited to specific age groups.
Best Futsal Balls: Senda Rio Futsal Ball
The Senda Rio Futsal Ball is specifically designed for futsal, indoor soccer, or pick up games on concrete and it stands out as the best in its category.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for play on harder surfaces
- Durable cover to reduce bounce rate
- Excellent control and responsiveness.
Cons:
- Not suitable for use on traditional soccer fields
Best Smart Soccer Ball: Dribble-up soccer ball
SENSEBALL
$44.99
The Senseball Smart ball is specifically designed to help young players become ambidextrous, which means you can use both feet equally. This ball has been used by professional soccer academies around the world, over 500 of them, including elite clubs such as Sevilla’s professional youth academy in Spain.
Pros:
- Integrates technology for interactive training.
- Helps players become ambidextrous
- Suitable for players dedicated to skill enhancement, usually younger and new players
Cons:
- This type of technology emits Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs) which may affect mitochondria function, sleep, recovery, mindset, and performance on the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best soccer ball?
To find the perfect soccer ball for you, make sure to determine what surface you will be playing on, what size ball you need, material preferences, as well as determine what brand you like the most, such as Mizuno, NIke, Adidas, or Puma.
How can you tell if a soccer ball is high quality?
High quality soccer balls will be made out of premium materials such as genuine leather or some synthetic materials which will help the ball last longer and perform better. Make sure to read what materials the soccer ball you are buying is made of to make sure you get the right type of ball.
To keep your soccer balls at a high quality for a long time it is important to know how to clean your soccer ball.
What is the best beach soccer ball?
Check out this blog to learn more about beach soccer.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the soccer ball is arguably the most important piece of soccer equipment and choosing the right ball is crucial for an optimal playing experience. In this blog we covered how to choose the right soccer ball for your current situation, key features to look for, as well as provided you with a list of the best soccer balls to choose from.