The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), in partnership with global sports brand PUMA, have officially revealed the match ball for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON 2025, which is set to be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
1. Name, Inspiration & Cultural Roots
The ball is called “ITRI” – a name meaning “star” in the Amazigh (Berber) language. It not only pays homage to the star on the Moroccan flag, but also echoes the star-patterns seen in the traditional Moroccan mosaic art form known as zellij.
The design draws heavily from Morocco’s centuries-old zellij craftsmanship – interlocking geometric patterns, hand-glazed tiles, vibrant colours. It’s a deliberate blend of heritage and modern performance.
2. Design Elements & Symbolism
Key design features of the ITRI ball include:
-
Star Geometry: Central star shapes represent ambition, light and the pursuit of excellence on football’s continental stage.
-
Petal Shapes: These outline motifs signify celebration, growth and the festive spirit of the tournament.
-
Circular Symmetry: Reflecting the unity of the 24 participating African nations coming together for AFCON.
-
Flow of Movement Patterns: Designed to capture the rhythm and dynamism of African football in motion.
-
Color Palette – Red & Green: These colour choices pay tribute to Morocco’s national identity (the host nation) and symbolize passion, hope and pride.
3. Performance & Technology
While rooted in heritage, the ball is built for elite performance. The ITRI uses PUMA’s Orbita 6 technology, which ensures the match ball meets high standards of consistency, durability and flight characteristics demanded by modern football.
The design process began soon after Morocco was confirmed as host, with creative research, testing and refinement to ensure the ball both honours local craftsmanship and suits the needs of top-level competition.
4. Availability & Retail
The ITRI match ball will make its competitive debut in the opening match of AFCON 2025.
For fans and collectors, the ball is available for purchase in many regional markets. The recommended retail price is €130 or 215,969.00 in Nigeria’s naira.
5. Why This Matters
-
Cultural Significance: For Africa’s premier football tournament, choosing a ball imbued with the host nation’s heritage reinforces identity and pride.
-
Branding & Cohesion: The ball becomes a key visual asset of the tournament — tying together graphics, media coverage, merchandising and broadcast visuals.
-
Performance for Players: A match ball affecting play matters — clubs and national teams will feel the difference in how the ball behaves in the air, on turf, under pressure.
-
Fan Engagement: For fans, the ball isn’t just equipment: it’s a collectible, a symbol of the tournament, a piece of memorabilia. The striking design helps build excitement.
6. Looking Ahead
With the ball unveiled, attention turns firmly to AFCON 2025. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament will showcase the continent’s finest teams, and the ITRI will be central to every match — in every pass, shot and save. Collectors, fans and players alike now have a tangible symbol of the event.
For Nigeria (and specifically in your region in Lagos, Nigeria) this is also an opportunity: whether to purchase the ball, follow promotional tie-ins, or just enjoy the spectacle with new branding and visuals that reflect this edition’s unique identity.
Source: CAF