Fansided · Feb 8, 2021
MLS: 2021 official match ball proves range of supporters
MLS (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Like a lot of Adidas soccer ball projects, the 2020 MLS official match ball drew inspiration from the past. It sought to build on the ball from the inaugural MLS season in 1996. This Nativo 21 ball has no two panels exactly matching graphically. On the surface are elements of the U.S and Canada flags in grey. Red, white, and blue panels appear in spots. All 27 MLS cities are named, along with Commissioner Don Garber’s signature.
The new design does attempt a traditional style. At the same time, ball designers want to herald the new MLS era and move on from the retro look of last year’s ball, the design does attempt a traditional style.