To play soccer, you require a bunch of willing friends, a pinch of imagination, and a ball.
However, unknown to many, selecting the right ball is just as important as selecting the right team. This begs the question, “Where are soccer balls manufactured?”
If you want to know the most popular soccer ball manufacturers in the world, you’re in the right place.
Here, we cover the biggest football-making companies based on the number of sales they make worldwide.
1. Adidas
German sports kit manufacturer Adidas, visibly identifiable by its trademark three stripes, ranks top among the most popular soccer ball manufacturers in the world.
The company began producing soccer balls in 1963 and has since gained a reputation for making quality footballs used in prestigious tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League.
Adidas is also the official ball manufacturer of soccer balls used in the World Cup. One of its most iconic soccer balls was the Adidas Telstar, which played in the 1970 World Cup.
Further editions of the World Cup balls include the infamous Jabulani, Teamgeist, and Adidas Brazuca.
2. Nike
Nike is an American sportswear manufacturer renowned for producing quality balls that rarely falter on quality.
Since 1971, the company has been making top-quality soccer balls that withstand the test of time through its tradition of tough stitching.
Over the years, Nike has cemented its place as one of the most popular soccer ball manufacturers and has been the official ball supplier for the English Premier League, a fete that began in the 2000-01 season.
Nike balls that grace the league have smooth casings, which ensure a consistent touch that can last throughout the match. Nike soccer balls are available for purchase in all leading e-commerce stores.
3. Umbro
Umbro, an English sports equipment manufacturer, was acquired in 2007 by the American sportswear manufacturer Nike. However, the company was later sold off to Iconix Brand Group in 2012 as Nike began to reshape its business model.
Umbro’s balls are easily recognizable by their Double Diamond trademark. And when it comes to quality, they offer more value for your money.
Despite competing with giant manufacturers such as Nike and Adidas, Umbro still has a decent soccer ball market share.
Over the years, Umbro has partnered with the English FA Body and was the official exclusive ball supplier of the English FA leagues until recently.
4. Puma
German multinational soccer ball manufacturer Puma is the third largest sportswear maker in the world. The company emerged from a rift between the Dassler brothers, Adolf and Rudolf, who went on to launch Adidas and Puma, respectively.
Puma has been the official soccer ball supplier for prestigious international competitions such as the African Cup of Nations, Copa America, Euros, Club World Cup, and Women’s UEFA Champions League for quite some time.
Puma’s popular soccer balls in store include the Puma Orbita LaLiga 1 and Puma Neymar Jr. Graphic Ball, among others.
5. Kelme
Kelme is a Spanish sports equipment manufacturing company that sells sportswear and athletic shoes. The company was the official soccer ball supplier for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
Kelme continues to utilize its founding fathers’ (Diego and Jose Quiles) designs today to manufacture soccer balls that are superior and durable. Some of its best soccer balls include the Kelme FIFA Gold and the Kelme VORTEXAC23.
6. Spalding
Spalding is an American company that specializes in the manufacture of sports equipment and accessories. Established in Chicago in 1876, the company is headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with Dudley Sports as its subsidiary.
Spalding has an excellent reputation for making quality soccer balls owing to its long legacy of making balls for other sports, which include American football and basketball.
Some of the most popular Spalding soccer balls include the Spalding TF-5000 and the Spalding TF-SC5.
7. Molten
Molten is an American professional soccer ball manufacturer that was founded in 1958. The company manufactures balls for soccer and other sports, such as basketball, handball, and volleyball.
Molten reportedly has a market share of 10% globally, producing over 7.5 million pieces of balls a year. Some of its best-selling soccer balls include the thermal bonded Molten 5000 and hand-sworn 4800 footballs built with foam to improve elasticity and foot feel.
8. Mitre
Mitre is among the oldest soccer ball manufacturers with an extensive history in its homeland, England. Founded by Englishman Benjamin Mitre, the company became the official Premier League ball supplier in 1992.
Although Mitre has since lost the supplier deal, its soccer balls are still highly regarded for their waterproof capabilities.
Its front edge balls include The Delta Series, machine sewn using heat-bonded technology to add strength and accuracy and improve performance.
9. Star
Star, a South Korean sports equipment manufacturer, is among the growing list of companies that make soccer balls.
Founded in 1965, the company’s soccer balls gained a reputation among fans for their unique star-shaped patterns, which solely focused on targeting the spectrum of low- to medium-priced footballs.
Star makes its soccer balls readily available and cheaper owing to its hand-stitched ball-making techniques that use label and butyl. Some of its best soccer balls, SB225 and SB375, are crafted according to FIFA standards.
10. Decathlon
Decathlon is the final company to make it to the list of the most popular soccer ball manufacturers in the world.
Founded in 1970, the French company specializes in ball production through its sub-sports division KIPSTA, which was instrumental in launching the certified F950 ball.
The Decathlon ball is crafted through a heat-bonded technology to curve high-density rubber particles, add grooves to aid the ball’s control when dribbled, and improve stability through the air in every shot.
The company was the Ligue 1 Uber Eats official match ball supplier in the 2022/23 season.
The soccer ball manufacturing industry is set to grow exponentially in the coming decades, not just in Europe but also in America and developing countries.
With the growing appetite, giants such as Nike, Adidas, and other little-known manufacturers are set to expand their market share.
We’re more likely to see innovative soccer ball-making techniques, aggressive marketing, and partnering with influential celebrities such as the Messis and Ronaldos of the future.