Given that precious footballs often end up in the trees of our rather intimidating and never-at-home neighbours, investing in a professional-grade ball for casual games feels out of the question for many players.
We’d rather make use of a piece of kit that can be bruised, battered and booted across fences without suffering any significant losses.
However, once exposed to a high-level training ball, football aficionados aren’t likely to go back to those bargain bin options from the local sports shop. But what exactly is the difference between a cheap-as-chips football and a slightly pricier, high-quality option?
What makes a good football?
When it comes to your weekly five-a-side, consider investing in a better football and split the cost among your teammates for an instantly elevated sporting experience.
Keep scrolling for a selection of the best footballs on the market for 2025.
adidas FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Competition Football
Engineered for top-tier performance, this FIFA Club World Cup 2025 football is crafted with thermally bonded panels, ensuring a seamless surface for truer flight, better touch, and reduced water absorption.
Its bold white, blue, and red design makes it highly visible on the pitch, while its FIFA-approved construction mirrors the elite match ball used in the tournament. Perfect for both match play and high-intensity training sessions.
Buy now £50.00, Pro Direct
Nike Premier League 24/25 Academy Football
Built for aspiring pros and weekend warriors alike, this Premier League Academy football delivers durability and control in all conditions. Featuring a machine-stitched casing for longevity and a textured outer layer for superior grip, it ensures a consistent touch whether you're playing on grass or artificial turf.
Buy now £28.00, Pro Direct
adidas UEFA Champions League 24/25 Competition Football
Bringing Champions League-quality play to your local pitch, this competition-level ball features TSBE seamless technology, reducing water absorption and enhancing aerodynamics for pinpoint passing and powerful strikes. Its iconic star-panel design, in vibrant shades of white, green, and solar slime, makes it instantly recognisable.
Buy now £50.00, Pro Direct
Mitre Ultimatch Football
A staple for grassroots football and academy matches, the Ultimatch is built to withstand intense play in all weather conditions. Its Hyperseam technology ensures a near-perfect seal, preventing water uptake while maintaining a soft yet durable feel. The textured surface enhances control, making it easier to dribble, pass, and strike with confidence. A reliable choice for players looking for a balance of affordability and performance.
Buy now £24.25, Amazon
adidas Football Women's Champions League 24/25
Designed specifically for the women’s game, this UEFA Women’s Champions League football offers aerodynamic precision and consistent performance. The TSBE seamless construction enhances durability while ensuring smooth, stable flight, perfect for high-level play. With its eye-catching design inspired by the biggest stage in women’s football, this ball is as much a statement piece as it is a top-tier performer on the pitch.
Buy now £27.99, Decathlon
Nike Premier League Pitch Football 2023/24
While the Nike Premier League Pitch football differs slightly from the Flight since it doesn’t have those innovative moulded grooves, it remains a premium quality, value-for-money option for casual players across the board. Designed for training sessions and improving footwork, it comprises a durable 12-panel design, a rubber bladder for effortless airtime and a polyurethane finish.
Buy now £24.95, Amazon
adidas Size 5 Ball 2024 Champions League
In our humble opinion, the Champions League ball is the most attractive option designed for the 2024 season. It’s Fifa Quality certified and has a butyl bladder for lasting air retention. The seamless TSBE construction offers a premium feel for all games, while the 100 per cent TPU coating is soft to the touch.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
Mitre Impel Club Orange Football
Crafted using uber-soft EVA foam for a super cushioned touch, the Mitre Impel allows for confidence, practice and control. It’s available in sizes 3, 4 and 5 depending on the age group and level in question.
Buy now £9.00, Lovell Soccer
Nike Pitch Team Training Football
Never worry about losing this neon green football, for it certainly stands out against standard grass. TPU helps with durability, while reinforced rubber keeps the football light, airy and bouncy.
Buy now £16.17, Nike
