UEFA has launched the Finale Istanbul 21 match ball that will be used in the 2021 Champions League knockout stages this season, marking the 20th anniversary of the iconic ‘star ball’ design.
The Starball, first launched in 2001 and has grown to become the world football’s top club competition, will be used in all the remaining UEFA Champions League matches this season, including the Atatürk Olympic Stadium final on 29 May 2021.
The ball isn’t just like the other. It shows the deep history between Adidas and UEFA Champions League as they celebrate their 20th anniversary.
“The Finale Istanbul 21 features every design from the previous 20 UEFA Champions League finals, weaving past and present together into a high-performance ball. Slim red banners detail each year and city, while the thermally-bonded star panels provide a seamless surface for an improved first touch,” said the company on their website.
The round of 16 began on Tuesday 16 February and will conclude around a month later when all second leg games have been played on Wednesday 17 March. The quarter-finals will be played between 6 April and 14 April, with the semi-finals to follow between 27 April and 5 May.
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