Football balls on Black Friday

Size three, four or five: the ball according to the category

The French Football Federation adjusts the size of the ball to the age of the players. U6 to U9 play with a size three ball, measuring around fifty-eight to sixty centimetres in circumference and weighing three hundred grams. U10 to U13 move up to size four, which is about sixty-four centimetres. From U14 onwards, size five, the adult size, measures between sixty-eight and seventy centimetres in circumference and weighs four hundred ten to four hundred fifty grams. Providing the right size prevents a child from kicking a ball that is too heavy, which can tire their ankle and discourage long play.

The other football offers

The Black Friday football also comes in:

• Shoes.
• Shirts.
• Tracksuits.
• Jackets.
• Accessories.

All the offers are gathered on the football page.

Sewn, glued or thermally bonded: how manufacturing changes things

A sewn ball joins its panels with machine or hand stitches: robust, it withstands repeated strikes on synthetic surfaces and asphalt. A thermally bonded or glued ball assembles its panels without seams: rounder, more waterproof, it maintains a stable trajectory and absorbs little water, making it the choice for matches. The bladder also matters: latex offers a livelier feel but deflates quicker; butyl holds air for several weeks. A training ball with a butyl bladder is suitable for the garden, while a match ball is reserved for games.

Futsal ball and foam ball: playing indoors

The futsal ball is played in size four, featuring a bladder and covering that reduce its bounce: dropped from two metres, it shouldn't bounce back up more than sixty-five centimetres on the first bounce. This keeps it on the ground and encourages short passes and technical skills on a wooden floor. For younger players, the foam ball is made of elephant skin, covered with a textured, durable coating, allowing for dribbling in a bedroom or classroom without risking windows or fingers. Light in weight, it reassures children learning to kick.

Pressure and inflation: making your ball last

The correct pressure, indicated near the valve, generally ranges between 0.6 and 1.1 bar for a football. To inflate, you dampen the needle, insert it straight into the valve without forcing, and then check with a pressure gauge: by ear or hand, it’s almost always overinflated. A ball that's too hard bounces badly and wears out its seams faster, while a ball that's too soft flattens on impact. After a session in the rain, wipe it down and let it dry at room temperature, away from a radiator that can damage the covering. To deflate, just the needle is enough.

Frequently asked questions

Why were footballs black and white?

The pattern of black pentagons and white hexagons became established with the ball from the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, the first edition widely broadcast on television. This contrast made the ball visible on black and white screens.

Is a football really round?

The classic ball comprises twelve pentagons and twenty hexagons, forming a shape that is almost spherical, rounded out by the pressure of the bladder. Modern thermally bonded balls, with fewer and more curved panels, come even closer to the perfect sphere.

Can you repair a punctured ball?

A leaking valve can sometimes be fixed with a few drops of special lubricant. However, a punctured bladder cannot be repaired permanently since patches come off under strikes: it’s better to replace the ball.

What is a light ball?

It's a standard-sized ball but lighter, often weighing between two hundred and ninety to three hundred and fifty grams. It allows children to kick hard and far without pain and without developing bad technical habits.

Which model should you choose for asphalt and tarmac?

Choose a sewn training ball with a thick covering and a butyl bladder, designed for abrasive surfaces. A match ball would wear out in just a few sessions on tarmac and curbs.