The best footballs to buy in 2025
There’s only one thing you need to play the beautiful game: a football.
You may regularly fork out for a new pair of shin pads, the latest boots or even goalposts, but all of that is useless unless you have quality footballs available to you.
Whether you’re playing higher up in the footballing pyramid or just enjoy a casual kickabout at the park, you deserve the perfect football.
Some of us will make do with just about anything for a game, but modern footballs are now built for specific purposes, skill levels and playing surfaces.
If you want to get the most out of your game, you need to make sure you’re playing with the right one.
From premium match balls to cheap footballs perfect for training, I've tested them to find the best footballs this season.
Get hold of one today and stick it firmly in the top bin…
Best Footballs 2025
How to Choose the Perfect Football
There are thousands of footballs out there to choose from. And yes, they’re all the same shape.
But footballs come from lots of different brands, in many different sizes and include various levels of quality.
It can all leave you scratching your head, wondering which of these options is best and what’s actually worth your hard-earned cash.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer here. There’s no such thing as the “best” football, as your choice completely depends on when, where and how you play.
There are four main things you need to consider though. That’s size, durability, material and, of course, style.
These factors will differ between each football, depending on whether they’ve been built for official matches, training, five-a-side or for children.
This is a good time to check out our guide on football sizes, if you’re buying for children or the kids’ team.
Basically, it all comes down to what you need this ball for. You can then match the ball to the purpose.
Fortunately, I can help you to understand that as we go on.
Why are some Footballs so Expensive?
The most expensive footballs are the official match balls used by the professionals, often approved by FIFA.
They’re made from the finest premium materials on the market, whilst also boasting cutting-edge tech from the manufacturer.
The premium balls are highly researched and developed. In terms of overall quality, these are the best footballs money can buy.
Fortunately, the vast majority of us don’t really need to fork out for these elite level footballs, and we can easily make do with one of the various takedown models.
Cheaper alternatives may look identical to the pricier premium versions, but there are clear differences in materials, construction, durability and overall performance.
Mitre footballs most expensive to cheapest (left to right). Images from Pro:Direct Soccer
Match footballs (£50-£130+)
Often made from synthetic leather, match balls offer the best flight, feel and performance. They’re reserved for official match play, rather than practice.
Training footballs (£5-£50)
More durable than a match ball, training balls typically have a PU exterior and are built to withstand 100s of hours of play. The best value option for everyday use.
Indoor / futsal footballs (£5-£25)
Indoor and futsal balls aren’t as bouncy, which makes them perfect for indoor sports halls and other hard surfaces where walls are in play.
There are footballs which you can easily pick up for under a tenner, so think carefully about how much you want to spend.
The fact that each brand names their footballs differently doesn’t help matters, but you can usually tell the level of the ball from the price range.
How I tested the Footballs
I put the balls to the test with a number of drills on a number of different surfaces. I tested the balls with shooting, dribbling and passing exercises.
Best Footballs 2025
For true lovers of the game, there’s no such thing as a “bad” football, and we’d quite happily play a bit of keepy-ups with anything that’s vaguely spherical.
However, if you’re keen on upgrading your game, it doesn’t get much better than the footballs below.
There are takedown versions available for most of these models, so you can bag your favourite design at a price that suits your pocket.
Nike Premier League 24/25 Flight
Best for Matches
When it comes to matchday magic, the Nike Premier League 2024/25 Flight Football truly takes the crown. This ball is built to handle the pressure of top-tier football, so naturally, I took it out for a spin to see if it lived up to the hype.
Thanks to its Aerowsculpt tech, the ball stayed impressively stable mid-flight—my long passes went where I wanted them to. The larger striking zones meant I connected cleaner than ever, and the grippy, all-weather surface? Absolute game-changer. On a dry pitch, it stuck to my boots like it was meant to be there—and I’ve got no doubt it would do the same in the rain. Stable, responsive, and stylish, this ball helped me deliver some truly wicked shots.
What We Like:
- Stability in air thanks to Aerowsculpt grooves
- Retains optimal air pressure and shape
- Excels in all weather conditions
Mitre Delta Evo
Best for Training
When it comes to training balls, the Mitre Delta Evo absolutely deserves its moment in the spotlight. Mitre balls have always been one of my go-to choices, so naturally, I had to take the Delta Evo for a test drive.
The debossed HyperFlow surface isn't just a cool name; it genuinely keeps the ball stable in flight, making those long passes and precision shots feel effortless. I was also surprised by the softer touch, a welcome upgrade thanks to the LPOE foam—Mitre’s not messing around. And when it came time to curl one into the top corner, the grippy textured PU leather gave me all the control I needed. Whether you're knocking it around on grass, turf, or concrete, this ball is built to handle it all—making it the ultimate training companion for 2025.
What We Like:
- HyperFlow surface increases ball stability in the air
- LPOE Foam softens touch
- Grippy surface increases ball spin
Puma Orbita 7
Best Budget Ball
If you're looking for the best football in 2025 without draining your wallet, look no further than the Puma Orbita 7—a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t skimp on tech. I had to see if all the buzz was deserved.
With its tough thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outer shell, this ball can take a beating on any surface, while the foam layer underneath made my first touches feel smoother than ever. The 12-panel design isn’t just for looks either—it gave me reliable control and surprisingly sharp accuracy whether I was volleying from the sky or threading a pass across the pitch. Bonus points for its excellent air retention, too—no more weekly pump-ups. For a training session or a casual kickabout, the Orbita 7 is easily the MVP of budget balls.
What We Like:
- Foam layer for softer touch
- Durable with great air retention
- Stable in flight
Mitre Impel Futsal 24
Best Indoor Ball
When it comes to indoor footballs, the Mitre Impel Futsal stands out. Known for its reputation as a tough ball, I couldn’t resist putting it to the test on the indoor court.
Its 30-panel shell is built like a tank, perfect for withstanding the scrappy, high-intensity hustle of futsal. What really surprised me was the foam base layer—offering a low, controlled bounce that suits the fast, close-quarters nature of the game brilliantly. The bold, contrasting colours also make it a breeze to track during those hectic game moments. And let’s be honest, for the price, it’s a bit of a steal. Whether you're perfecting your close control or just having a kickabout, this ball’s got you covered.
What We Like:
- Hard wearing
- Soft foam base layer gives low bounce
- Contrasting colours give ball high visibility
adidas Football Champions League
Best for Kids (5-16)
When it comes to the best balls of 2025, the adidas UEFA Champions League ball easily earns the title of kid favourite. Let’s be honest—there’s nothing like kicking around a ball that looks just like the one the pros use. I took the latest Champions League ball out for a spin, and it held up brilliantly.
Thanks to its butyl bladder, it kept its bounce game strong through every drill. The textured surface added just the right amount of grip to sharpen my control. Plus, it’s built tough enough to survive playground battles, backyard tournaments, and every surface in between. All in all, it's a brilliant, budget-friendly pick for kids dreaming of glory—or just enjoying a good old-fashioned kickabout.
What We Like:
- Textured surface for grip
- Great air retention
- TPU cover gives consistent contact zones
adidas UCL 24/25 Mini Football
Best for Toddlers
If you're on the hunt for the best football for toddlers in 2025, look no further than the adidas UCL Club Mini Ball—a pint-sized powerhouse that proves big things really do come in small packages. Mini footballs like this are perfect for introducing little ones to the beautiful game, and they often bring the same techy flair as their full-size counterparts—just scaled down to toddler-friendly proportions.
This one’s wrapped in tough TPU, meaning it can handle the chaos of kickabouts on any surface without losing shape or bounce. Despite its size, I found my control was spot-on, with surprisingly accurate passes and a solid first touch—thanks to the internal foam that cushions each kick. It’s a dream ball for future Ronaldos or mini Messis, and honestly, it’s just as fun for grown-ups looking to show off in the garden.
What We Like:
- Designed to not need inflation after play
- Long lasting performance
- Durable
And there you have it—the finest footballs of 2025, whether you're playing under stadium lights or in the living room with a toddler. From elite-level match balls like the Nike Flight to the indestructible training champs and budget-friendly legends, this year’s line-up proves that there really is a perfect ball for every kind of player.
Whether you're chasing glory in a Sunday league, sharpening your skills at training, or just trying to stop your toddler from booting the cat, there's a ball here that'll rise to the challenge.
Now get out there, lace up, and let the good kicks roll.
