PUMA and CAF Launch Official Match Ball for AFCON 2025: Introducing the ITRI
In a significant milestone ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, PUMA has officially unveiled the tournament’s match ball, aptly named the ITRI. The launch took place in partnership with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), highlighting the rich cultural heritage and sporting spirit of Africa.
The ITRI ball draws its inspiration from Morocco’s ancient zellij art form, celebrated for its intricate geometric mosaics. This artistic influence reflects the unity and passion of African football while paying homage to the star on the Moroccan flag, symbolizing excellence and ambition.
In conjunction with the ball’s reveal, PUMA released an engaging video, showcasing the ITRI in action, marking the beginning of its journey that will culminate at the prestigious tournament. The ball is set to debut during the opening match of AFCON 2025, which kicks off on December 21, 2025.
A Symbol of Cultural Significance
The ITRI ball features a striking design that embodies traditional Moroccan aesthetics, incorporating central star geometry, floral outlines, and circular symmetry. Each element of this design carries deep cultural meanings:
– Star Geometry: Represents ambition and the pursuit of excellence on the grand stage of African football.
– Petal Shapes: Symbolize celebration and growth, encapsulating the festive spirit integral to AFCON.
– Circular Symmetry: Reflects the unity of the 24 nations coming together for this esteemed tournament.
Additionally, the ball’s vibrant red and green color palette captures the essence of Morocco’s national identity, expressing passion, hope, and pride.
Mohamed Ghonemi, Creative Development Manager at CAF, stated, “Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball brings together art, motion, and a design shaped by African spirit and Moroccan craftsmanship. It has been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection.”
Tradition Meets Innovation
The design of the ITRI ball began shortly after Morocco was confirmed as the host nation. A thorough process of cultural research, creative exploration, performance testing, and refinement was undertaken, ensuring that the ball authentically represented Moroccan artistry while resonating across the continent.
Built on PUMA’s advanced Orbita 6 technology, the ITRI seamlessly combines heritage with cutting-edge innovation, meeting the performance standards required for elite-level competition.
Peter Dangl, Director of EEMEA Distribution at PUMA, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to unveil the ITRI ball, a true symbol of African football’s spirit. By blending Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, the ball celebrates the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent. Our partnership with CAF underscores PUMA’s enduring commitment to African football and the vibrant communities that support it.”
