With the Champions League set to return from the winter break this week, UEFA has revealed the new match ball that will be deployed during the knockout stages of the 2023-24 competition, as well as the final itself.
Officially designated the “UCL Pro Ball London”, the adidas ball is covered in a colorful graphic that is intended as an ode to the host city of the final (which will take place at Wembley Stadium on June 1) as well as the english football culture in general.
𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒔 ball. LET'S GO 🏆#UCLFball x @adidasfutbol pic.twitter.com/7UNpt2PoqO
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2024
Resplendent in bright orange and yellow, the design features prominent symbols associated with English football, including two lions that can be seen roaring at each other in the middle of a pitch with Champions League star motifs.
According to UEFA, the rampant lions are supposed to reflect the bravery and strength needed to make it through the playoffs to the final and ultimately lift the most coveted trophy in European club football.
UCL Pro Ball London will make its tournament debut when the round of 16 begin on Tuesday, with heavyweights Real Madrid traveling to take on RB Leipzig and FC Copenhagen hosting defending champions Manchester City in the first legs of their respective qualifying rounds.
