Beau Jeu set for Euro 2016 kick-off

The “Beau Jeu” ball, developed by adidas, is based on the best elements of the acclaimed Brazuca FIFA World Cup match ball from 2014, and was officially handed to competing nations in November

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURNAMENT MATCHBALL World Cup European

1998: TRICOLORE

France: Syntactic foam matrix layer further increases energy return

2000: TERRESTRA

Belgium / Holland: Improved syntactic cushioning offers greater accuracy

2002: FEVERNOVA

Korea / Japan: Durable woven chassis and syntactic foam

2004: ROTEIRO

Portugal: First ball not hand-stitched – personalised for each match

2006: TEAMGEIST

Germany: 14-panel thermal-bonded layer – surface enhances control 

2008: EUROPASS

Austria / Switz:
Improved power, response and glove-on-ball grip

2010: JABULANI

South Africa: Eight panels. Aero grooves improve flight stability

2012: TANGO 12

Poland / Ukraine: Increased air retention, reduced water uptake

2014: BRAZUCA

Brazuca: 171 goals at World Cup 2014 – holds joint record with 1998

2016: BEAU JEU

Blue, white and red, like French Tricolour, name means The Beautiful Game

Outer panels: Six thermally bonded TPU panels for more predictable trajectory

FIFA-approved match ball. Improved grip and in-flight visibility

Shots inside box On target 531 Wide 312

Shots outside box On target 479 Wide 367

Shot on target ratio:59.8%

Sources: UEFA, FIFA, adidas