Evolution of Premier League balls

Another Premier League season is almost upon us and the opening weekend will be anticipated by fans across the world.

Over the years, the league has evolved beyond recognition since the inaugural 1992-93 campaign. Technology-filled shirts, bigger stadiums, greater coverage and, just as significantly, the match ball itself. 

Saturday will see the debut of Nike’s latest and boldest concept since they started supplying the official ball in 2000, with the newest version called Ordem 4, which blends blue, green and purple for a multi-coloured effort to ensure maximum visibility.

Here we take a look back how the ball has developed since the start of the Premier League…

1992-95: Mitre Pro Max 

Mitre had the honour of producing the very first balls used in England’s brand new league. The simplistic design was a far cry from the colourful efforts we have become used to in recent years and lasted for three seasons.

1995-2000 Mitre Ultimax 

Holding the distinction of being the Premier League’s longest-ever serving ball, the Ultimax upgrade quickly became synonymous with football in the 90’s, with its distinctive chevrons and memorable moments.

The ball was famously used to help launch a young David Beckham into the nation’s conscious, when he lobbed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line on the opening day of the 1996/97 season, while Paolo di Canio defied gravity to spectacularly volley in against… Wimbledon in 1999.

2000-04: Nike Geo Merlin

Football fans bid a sad but fond farewell to Mitre, as the new millennium saw Nike take over as the Premier League’s new supplier.

The ball was used over the course of four seasons and was modified only slightly with different colour patterns. Les Ferdinand tucked away the Merlin for the division’s 10,000th goal, while Robert Pires produced a moment of ingenuity and confidence to lob Peter …

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