ADIDAS AL HILM 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP MATCH BALL

Adidas launched the Al Hilm as the official match ball for the semi-finals and final of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Meaning "The Dream" in Arabic, Al Hilm is an embodiment of technological innovation, cultural symbolism, and environmental awareness. It replaced Al Rihla ("The Journey"), which had been utilised in the group stages, round of 16, and quarter-finals, and is a move from the journey of teams to realising dreams in the decisive phases of the tournament

Design and Symbolism

The design of Al Hilm is strikingly unique, reflecting its status in the last few minutes of one of football's most elite competitions. It has a textured gold base colour inspired by several things:

The Deserts of Qatar: The triangular motifs on the ball are reminiscent of the shining sands that encircle Doha.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy: The gold colour represents triumph and glory.

Qatar's Flag: Strong red highlights enhance the graphic design, symbolizing Qatar's generative architecture and national pride

This visual identity condenses the spirit of "The Dream". Adidas also stressed its affinity with twilight moments when dreams become reality under stadium floodlights, especially at Lusail Stadium where the final was held

Technological Innovation

Al Hilm features state-of-the-art Connected Ball Technology, a feature it shares with Al Rihla. This technology features built-in sensors that feed real-time information to Video Assistant Referees (VAR). By blending ball tracking data with artificial intelligence, it aids semi-automated offside decisions. The innovation guarantees faster and more precise decision-making, improving both the fairness of the game and the fan experience




The CRT-Core ball construction increases performance even more with enhanced speed, accuracy, and consistency. Optimal shape maintenance and high-air-pressure capability keep it well-equipped for big match situations like World Cup final tournaments. And through its aerodynamics, the 20 speedshell panels embedded have grooves which ensure stability as well as swerve upon flying

Adidas created Al Hilm with sustainability in mind. It is the first-ever World Cup match ball made solely from water-based inks and glues. This eco-friendly process is in line with the world's initiative to minimize its ecological footprint without compromising on best-level performance standards

Cultural Impact

Al Hilm represents something greater than a ball of football—it's about togetherness through sport. Nick Craggs, Adidas' General Manager-Football, called it a "beacon of light" that unites people globally through their love for football. Millions watched as it was used in momentous matches, making it an iconic World Cup moment

Comparison to Al Rihla

Although Al Hilm has technological aspects in common with Al Rihla, it is distinctly different in terms of appearance. The design shift from Al Rihla's white foundation to Al Hilm's golden appearance reflects the transition from preliminary rounds of the tournament to its eventual culmination. Both are designed for maximum speed and flight quality but are distinct in their symbolic design—Al Rihla depicts "The Journey", while Al Hilm represents "The Dream
Legacy

Being the 21st official match ball produced by Adidas for FIFA World Cups since 1970, Al Hilm occupies a unique position in football history. Its unveiling at Qatar 2022 represented a fusion of cutting-edge technology, cultural respect, and ecological consciousness. To players and supporters, it was a physical symbol of dreams turned reality on the world's biggest stage

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