The football used in the Premier League is Nike’s official match ball, and it is a regulation size 5. Nike supplies the league’s match balls, while the design and colorway can change from one season to the next.
That means there is not one permanent model name to look for. Here’s how the official ball differs from a replica, what its size and specifications mean, and how to choose the right version for playing or collecting.
Which football is used in premier league?
The Premier League uses an official Nike match ball. Its design is updated over time, so the exact graphics and model name depend on the season. The ball used for league matches is a regulation size 5, the standard full-size ball for adult soccer.
Nike has supplied Premier League match balls for many seasons. The name or appearance you see on a ball may change, but that does not mean the league switches to a different size. A season may also have a separate high-visibility version, often used in conditions where a bright design is easier to follow.
If you want the ball used in a particular match, check the season and the product description. A current Nike Premier League ball is not necessarily the same design as one used several seasons ago. For a match ball from a specific campaign, the season label and official league branding matter as much as the Nike name.
What makes the Premier League ball different?
The official match ball is made for competitive play. Its design, materials, panel construction, and surface features are intended to provide consistent handling and flight when properly inflated. Changes to the outer pattern or panel layout can give a new season’s ball a distinct look, but appearance alone does not tell you how it will perform.
Top-level match balls are generally manufactured to meet the relevant football rules and quality standards. A ball carrying a recognized quality mark has passed specified tests for factors such as weight, circumference, rebound, water absorption, and shape retention. Those standards help ensure that the ball behaves within accepted limits; they do not promise that every player will prefer its feel.
Size and match specifications
A Premier League match ball is size 5. Under the Laws of the Game, a regulation size 5 ball has a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters and weighs 410 to 450 grams at the start of the match. The permitted pressure range is 0.6 to 1.1 atmospheres at sea level, which is approximately 8.5 to 15.6 pounds per square inch.
Those are rule limits, not a recommendation to inflate every ball to the maximum. The ball’s manufacturer provides a suitable pressure range, usually printed near the valve or included with the product information. Follow that guidance and use a pressure gauge, since judging inflation only by squeezing the ball is unreliable.
Season designs and visibility versions
The league’s ball can have different graphics in different seasons. Some designs use a bright colorway to improve visibility in poor weather, under floodlights, or against a darker background. A winter or alternate-color version can still be an official match ball rather than a separate kind of ball.
Color changes do not necessarily mean the ball has different dimensions or is intended for a different type of game. Check the model and product details if you need to confirm whether a particular version is an official match ball, a training ball, or a replica.
Official match ball, replica, or training ball?
Nike Premier League balls are sold at different levels. Product names and features can vary by season and retailer, but the usual distinction is between the professional match ball, a lower-cost replica, and a more durable training ball. They may share a similar design while differing in materials, construction, feel, and price.
| Ball type | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Official match ball | Made for high-level match play; typically has the most advanced construction and closely follows official specifications. | Competitive players, serious collectors, or buyers seeking the match-level version. |
| Replica ball | Uses a similar season design but may have simpler materials or construction than the match version. | Recreational games and fans who want the official look at a more accessible level. |
| Training ball | Designed to stand up to frequent practice; materials and feel may prioritize durability over a match-ball touch. | Regular drills, team sessions, and general outdoor use. |
| Mini or souvenir ball | Smaller than a regulation size 5 ball and often intended for display or casual play. | Gifts, collecting, and light indoor use—not standard adult matches. |
Do not assume that a ball is the official match version just because it has Premier League graphics. The league logo and Nike branding can appear on different product tiers. Look for the product’s full model name and the manufacturer’s description of its level, size, and intended use.
For organized adult play, choose a properly sized ball that meets the rules for your competition. If you are buying for everyday practice, a durable training ball or replica may be more practical than paying extra for a match-level model that will be used on rough surfaces.
How to choose the right Premier League ball
Start with how you plan to use it. A collector may care most about the correct season design and packaging, while a player needs a ball that suits the playing surface and survives regular use. A parent buying for a child should check the required ball size rather than buying the Premier League’s standard adult size automatically.
- Choose the right size. Size 5 is the standard full-size ball for adult soccer. Youth leagues may use smaller sizes, so check the player’s age group and competition rules before buying.
- Decide between match, replica, and training levels. Match balls are intended for high-level play. Replicas are often suitable for casual games, while training balls are a sensible choice for frequent practice.
- Check the playing surface. A ball used often on hard or abrasive ground can wear more quickly. For artificial turf or rough outdoor surfaces, prioritize a durable model made for regular use instead of choosing only by its match-day appearance.
- Verify the season and design. If you want the ball associated with a specific Premier League season, compare the product name, design, and season information. A generic listing that says only official Premier League ball may not identify the version clearly.
- Inspect the size and pressure instructions. Confirm that the ball is the size you need and follow the recommended inflation pressure printed by the manufacturer.
For a gift or collection, check whether the listing describes a full-size ball or a mini ball. Product photos can make smaller souvenirs look full-sized, especially when there is no object beside them for scale. The stated size or circumference is a more reliable clue than the photo.
How to inflate and care for the ball
Correct inflation helps the ball keep its shape and respond predictably. Too little air can make it feel heavy or slow, while excessive pressure can make it feel hard and may stress the seams or outer material. Use a ball pump with a pressure gauge instead of relying on hand pressure.
- Check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the ball or its packaging.
- Moisten the pump needle before inserting it to reduce friction at the valve.
- Inflate gradually and check the reading with a gauge.
- Stop within the recommended range, then remove the needle carefully.
Store the ball clean and dry, away from prolonged heat or direct sunlight. Wipe off mud and grit after use, since dirt can wear the surface and work into seams. If the ball gets soaked, let it dry naturally rather than placing it beside a heater.
Also match the ball to the surface. A match-level ball may be designed for grass or approved artificial turf, but repeated use on concrete can damage its coating and change its feel. For hard courts, use a ball intended for that surface.
Common buying mistakes to avoid
Confusing a league design with a match-level product
A familiar Premier League pattern does not prove that a ball is the professional match version. Manufacturers may sell several tiers with similar graphics. Read the listing for clear terms such as match, replica, training, or mini, and check the stated size before ordering.
Assuming every season uses the same ball
The league’s supplier can remain the same while the ball design changes. If you are replacing an older ball or seeking a specific season’s version, use the season and model details to identify it. A new release may look different without changing the basic size requirements.
Buying the wrong size for a young player
Size 5 is standard for adult play, but younger age groups may use smaller balls. A ball that is too large or heavy can make practice harder and less comfortable. Follow the player’s league guidance or ask the coach which size is used for that age group.
Ignoring the surface and intended use
A ball built for match play may not be the best choice for daily practice on rough ground. The surface affects how quickly the outer layer wears. Choose for the conditions in which the ball will actually be used, not just for the most impressive product label.
Trusting a photo instead of the product details
Online images can show the design clearly but conceal the ball’s size, tier, or season. Check the written description, seller information, and return terms. For an official match-level purchase, buy from a reputable retailer and confirm the exact model rather than relying on a logo in a product image.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Premier League football size 5?
Yes. Premier League matches use a regulation size 5 ball. That is the standard full-size ball for adult soccer, with a circumference of 68 to 70 centimeters.
Who makes the Premier League football?
Nike supplies the Premier League’s official match balls. The season’s design and product name can change, so check the season if you are looking for a particular version.
Is the Nike Premier League replica the same as the match ball?
Not necessarily. A replica can share the official ball’s design but use different materials or construction. Check the product tier and details to tell it apart from the match-level version.
Can you use a Premier League ball for normal games?
Yes, if the ball’s size and condition suit your game. For regular practice, a replica or training ball may offer better value and durability. Use the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
The Premier League uses a Nike size 5 match ball, with the design changing across seasons. Match balls, replicas, and training versions can look similar, so check the product tier before buying.
Choose the version that suits your playing surface and purpose, then inflate it to the pressure printed by the manufacturer. If you want a specific season’s ball, verify the season and model details before placing your order.