THE TOP 5 MOST EXPENSIVE BALLS IN THE WORLD OF SOCCER / FOOTBALL

Sports Jan 10, 2023 0 230 Add to Reading List

Did you know that the most expensive ball in the world which cost $2.5million cannot be played in a game of soccer or football, and that it was designed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup that held in South Africa?

In the game of soccer or football, depending on where you are, the ball is the only necessary constant in the game. However, the number of companies producing and selling soccer balls is staggering. The main difference between balls is the material quality, lining, and stitching on the panels, as well as the bladder or the soccer ball balloon before inflation.

The value of soccer balls also varies depending on the soccer match, where the player used the ball, if it was signed by someone famous, or if it has historical heritage. Here are some of the most expensive soccer balls collection on the market.

1. SHIMANSKY DIAMOND SOCCER BALL

This Yair Shimansky ball, which took three months to finish, comes at a price of $2,500,000 with a unique feature of 9,260 diamonds. The value of the ball comes to 3,500 carats, making this the most expensive soccer ball. This diamond-encrusted football has 6,620 white diamonds and 2,640 black diamonds separated into the appropriate patches. This hefty football was designed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which took place in South Africa. The jewelry designer Yair Shimansky created the ball to celebrate the tournament. Despite this, the ball is not FIFA-approved as it weighs around 4.8 lbs, making it impossible to play a game with it.

2. BENZEMA DIAMOND SOCCER BALL

This ball comes at a price of $250,000 with a unique feature of 72,000 diamonds. It was designed by a celebrity jeweler, Dimitry Shimanov, also known as Dave Bling, who has worked with American rappers like 50 Cent, Offset, and Drake. Like the previous ball, it is not FIFA approved. The ball was bought by French footballer, Karim Benzema. According to the jeweler Dave Bling and his team, Benzema contacted them with a request to create a 1,250-carat soccer ball. As you probably conclude, the ball is not a game option but rather a home décor piece, excellent as a conversation starter.

3. LOUIS VUITTON 1998 WORLD CUP SOCCER BALL

This leather ball designed by Louis Vuitton comes at a price range of between $3,500 and $5,500 with a unique feature of a monogram LV pattern. This Limited Edition of Louis Vuitton was made for the France World Cup in 1998 in a recognizable Louis Vuitton “LV” monogram pattern, and Louis Vuitton / Paris / Made in France stamped on the bottom of the ball. LV ball is primarily brown with some golden square details.

4. BARCELONA AUTOGRAPHED SOCCER BALL

This 2021/2022 Nike ball comes at a price of $2,300 with a unique feature of multiple signatures from 12 FC Barcelona Players. The football is hand-signed by players Adama Traore, Dani Alves, Ferran Torres, Jordi Alba Ramos, Nico Gonzales, Ronald Araujo, and Xavi Hernandez, to name a few. The multiple signature ball is being sold on the Sports Memorabilia website for $2,300 in pristine condition. The ball is officially licensed, with a smooth 12-panel design and rubber bladder to help with air pressure when the ball is kicked or thrown.

5. LIONEL MESSI’S AUTOGRAPHED SOCCER BALL

This Paris Saint-Germain ball comes at a price of $1,900 with a unique feature of an autograph by Lionel Messi. This soccer ball was signed during the 2021 UEFA Champions League, in which Lionel Messi played for Paris Saint-Germain. Messi’s team did not play the final, but since Messi is dubbed the “new Maradona” due to his success, his signature is worth a lot more than the rest of the players.

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