Your training soccer ball is arguably your most important piece of equipment. Choosing the right training ball can make a big difference in both your development as a player and your performance in competitive games. You need to train with balls that behave like regulation competition balls to hone your skills for the pitch, but training balls also have increased durability for more intensive use. This is why it is important to choose a ball based on its intended purpose: competition, training, or recreation.
Not sure what to look for? This complete guide will help you choose the right soccer ball for different purposes, along with our top five picks for every player.
For serious players seeking elite-level soccer gear beyond just balls, Storelli.com offers advanced protective and performance soccer equipment.
Our Favorites
Here are our top picks for the best soccer balls of 2025, carefully selected to meet the needs of every type of player.
- Best Overall Soccer Ball: Adidas Al Rihla Pro
- Best for Accuracy & Flight: Nike Flight Ball
- Most Durable Training Ball: Select Derbystar Brilliant Super TB
- Best Eco-Friendly Ball: EcoSports Match Ball
- Best for Youth Training: Adidas Tiro Pro
Best Soccer Balls
Adidas Al Rihla Pro – Best Overall
The Adidas Al Rihla Pro is a true champion of the pitch, bearing the prestigious FIFA Quality Pro stamp of approval and the honor of being used in recent World Cup matches. Its textured polyurethane (PU) skin is engineered for superior aerodynamics, providing a consistent and predictable flight path. The ball's seamless TSBE construction minimizes water uptake and ensures a perfect, uniform feel. Players love its exceptional flight and grip in all conditions, providing a professional-level touch and feel.
Pros: Excellent flight, grip in all conditions, pro feel
Cons: Premium price point
Price: $120–$160
https://www.adidas.com/us/al-rihla-competition-ball/H57792.html
Nike Flight Soccer Ball – Best for Accuracy
For players who prioritize precision, the Nike Flight Soccer Ball is the standout choice. Its groundbreaking Aerowsculpt ball technology uses molded grooves to disrupt airflow, resulting in a truer and more stable flight. This is the ball of choice for the English Premier League, and for good reason. Its unique four-panel design minimizes drag, ensuring a consistent trajectory. The ball’s main advantages are its high accuracy and trajectory consistency, but its less forgiving touch might be challenging for beginners.
Pros: High accuracy, great trajectory consistency
Cons: Less forgiving touch for beginners
Price: $130–$150
If you are looking for an affordable Nike option, consider the Nike Premier League Academy Soccer Ball.
Select Derbystar Brilliant Super TB – Most Durable
The Select Derbystar Brilliant Super TB is a workhorse built to last. This ball is also FIFA Quality Pro certified and features 32 thermally bonded panels that provide exceptional durability and a premium feel. Its latex bladder offers a soft touch and excellent bounce, which is a key reason it is used in the German Bundesliga. The main pro is its excellent durability, while a potential downside is that the latex bladder may lose air faster than other balls and requires more frequent inflation. It's a fantastic ball for players who need a high-quality option that can withstand intense, regular use.
Pros: Excellent durability, premium feel, used in the Bundesliga
Cons: Loses air faster due to latex
Price: $90–$120
https://www.amazon.com/DERBYSTAR-Bundesliga-Brillant-Soccer-White/dp/B0D4VNPJ4V/
EcoSports Match Ball – Best Eco-Friendly Ball
This Eco Sports Soccer Ball is proof that high performance doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. Crafted from sustainable, vegan leather materials, this ball is designed for minimal ecological impact without sacrificing quality. Its performance is comparable to traditional PU match balls, offering strong flight and control. The primary benefit is its eco-conscious design, but its availability in retail stores may be limited. This ball is a great choice for players who want to make a responsible choice for the planet.
Pros: Eco-conscious design, strong flight and control
Cons: Less availability in retail stores
Price: $70–$100
https://ecosports.com/products/eco-footprint-soccer-ball-size-5
Adidas Tiro Pro – Best for Youth Training
The Adidas Tiro Pro is the ideal ball for youth players and training sessions. Its durable TPU surface is built to withstand repetition-heavy sessions, while the butyl bladder provides excellent air retention, meaning you won’t have to pump it up as often. With a FIFA Quality certification, it meets high standards for weight, circumference, and bounce. The primary pros are its affordability and durability, but its heavier touch compared to a high-end match ball might be noticeable. This ball offers great value for youth clubs and casual players. Pair them with a pair of sliding soccer shorts for the best protection during defensive play.
Pros: Affordable, great for repetition-heavy sessions
Cons: Heavier touch than match balls
Price: $60–$80
https://www.adidas.com/om/en/tiro-pro-ball/HT2428.html
What to Know
What Makes a Great Soccer Ball?
While all of the soccer balls on our list are great choices, you need to know the main things to consider when evaluating if a soccer ball is the right choice for you. These are the principal factors to consider when judging the quality of a ball.
- Material: This will dictate how the ball feels on your foot, moves across your pitch surface, and its overall durability. In general, the best ball covers are made from synthetic leathers like PU or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), made using panel construction techniques.
- Bladder: The bladder is what holds the air inside the ball, and the bladder type dictates bounce and firmness. Latex tends to feel better on the feet but has lower air retention, so you need to pump more regularly. Butyl has superior air retention, making it better for heavy training use.
- Flight Consistency: The shape, surface texture, and panel shape impact the trajectory and aerodynamics of the ball. Seams can add curve. It is a good idea to choose a design consistent with whatever ball your league uses, so you are training for match conditions. You can also look for special features such as visual spin technology, used in the Wilson NCAA Vivido ball, which uses specific color variance on the ball to make it easier to track its movement and rotation, especially at high speeds.
- Touch & Control: This has an impact on the surface grip, which is especially important for the goalkeeper and how well they control the ball with their goalkeeper gloves. Consider the material (again, both PU and TPU are good), the padding, and the seam type. Generally, the more textures the surface the better the grip. Don't forget that goalkeepers also need goalkeeper leggings to protect their limbs during dramatic saves.
- Size & Weight: Most leagues will have a regulation size and weight, so you will want to train with balls consistent with those regulations. Most regulation balls for adults are size 5, with a circumference of 68-70 centimeters (27-28 inches) and a weight of 410-450 grams (14-16 ounces). Youth leagues can use smaller balls. For example, 8-and-under leagues will often use size 3 balls, and 8-12 year olds will use size 4 balls. You can also find youth soccer sliding shorts and youth soccer goalie pants on Storelli.
- Certifications: Certifications like FIFA Quality Pro or IMS guarantee that the ball meets specific standards for performance and quality. It can be useful to choose the same ball as whatever league you aspire to play in. The UEFA Champions League in 2025 uses the Adidas UCL Pro Match Ball as its official match ball, though the European Championship uses the Adidas Fussballliebe in 2024. Meanwhile, La Liga uses the Puma Orbita Soccer Ball 3.
Match Ball vs. Training Ball vs. Street Ball
Choosing the right ball for the right context is essential. A match ball is engineered for competitive play, featuring premium materials and advanced construction to ensure superior performance, flight, and control. A training ball is built for durability, designed to withstand frequent use in practice sessions and on various surfaces. Finally, a street ball is made with a tough, abrasion-resistant cover to hold up against the harsh demands of concrete and asphalt. Expensive match balls will wear out quickly on the training pitch, while street balls don't deliver the same performance as match balls.
Where to Buy
It is always best to buy your balls from trusted retailers, so you can be sure that you are getting the real thing and that it meets regulations. It is a good idea to buy directly from manufacturers, such as Adidas and Nike, but you can also find a range of good options via large resellers, such as Amazon and soccer.com.
You can also find what you need on Storelli.com. While Storelli is best known for its next-gen protective gear, such as soccer goalie equipment, it is also a solid choice for ball accessories, carry nets, and pro-quality goalkeeper equipment.
Soccer Ball Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your soccer ball and the quality of both your training and your match play. Follow these tips to take care of yours:
- Avoid storing balls in extreme temperatures
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Regularly check air pressure with a pump and gauge, as over- or under-inflation can damage the ball
- Rotate multiple balls if training frequently to distribute wear and tear
Conclusion
Selecting the right soccer ball can make a real difference in your game, whether you're a youth player or a seasoned veteran. By choosing a ball that is tailored to your needs, you can elevate your skill development and bring a new level of realism to your matches. Consider your playing style, budget, and the level of competition when making your choice. We’ve highlighted some of the best options on the market for 2025, but the final decision is yours.
One last tip: Remember to combine your ball with proper footwear, shin guards, and other accessories. Storelli.com has a full line of elite gear designed to protect you and enhance your performance on the field.
FAQs
What features should I look for in a high-quality soccer ball?
When shopping for a high-quality soccer ball, look for a durable outer material, like PU or TPU, a reliable bladder made from latex or butyl, and a panel construction that minimizes water absorption and ensures a consistent flight path. Certifications like FIFA Quality Pro are also a good indicator of a ball's high standards.
Are there major differences between training balls and match balls?
Yes! Match balls are designed for peak performance in competitive games, using premium materials for a softer touch and more consistent flight. Training soccer balls, on the other hand, prioritize durability and are built to withstand the rigors of frequent practice sessions. They often have a heavier feel and use tougher materials.
How do I properly maintain a soccer ball to ensure it lasts longer?
To extend the life of your soccer ball, keep it clean, check its air pressure regularly, and store it in a temperate environment. Avoid using the ball on rough, abrasive surfaces like concrete, as this can wear down the outer cover quickly.
Is it worth investing in a premium soccer ball for casual play?
While a budget-friendly ball is sufficient for casual play, investing in a premium soccer ball can be a worthwhile decision. A better ball will improve your touch, control, and overall feel for the game, leading to better skill development and a more enjoyable playing experience.
