Official Match Ball for AFCON 2025: PUMA's ITRI Blends Moroccan Art and Performance

With preparations for Africa’s premier football tournament intensifying, PUMA has introduced the official match ball for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Named ITRI, the ball combines cultural references from Moroccan artistry with tournament-level engineering, serving both as a competitive tool and a symbol of continental unity.

Design Inspired by Moroccan Craftsmanship

The name ITRI directly references the star featured on Morocco’s national flag and draws additional influence from the celestial motifs found in traditional zellij tilework. This ancient craft, known for its complex geometric patterns, forms the visual foundation of the ball’s design — representing harmony and passion across African football.

The surface of ITRI features a striking geometric layout inspired by Moroccan zellij. Central star shapes convey ambition and brilliance, while petal-like contours suggest celebration and growth. A circular arrangement emphasises the unity of the 24 competing nations. Interwoven “Flow of Movement” lines capture the pace and flair characteristic of African football. The red-and-green colour scheme reinforces themes of pride, hope, and Moroccan national identity.

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Collaboration with CAF

“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,” said Mohamed Ghonemi, Creative Development Manager at CAF. “It’s been a privilege to collaborate with PUMA on something that unites every nation at the tournament through a shared sense of connection.”

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, ITRI is built on PUMA’s Orbita 6 platform, which aims to deliver accurate flight, consistent behaviour, and resistance to wear during high-intensity matches. Development started immediately after Morocco was confirmed as host, involving cultural research, design exploration, and extensive testing to balance heritage with top-tier performance.

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PUMA’s Vision for the Tournament

“We’re proud to unveil the ITRI ball — the official match ball of AFCON 2025 and a true symbol of African football’s spirit. Combining Moroccan artistry with advanced performance technology, ITRI celebrates both the host nation’s heritage and the unity of the continent,” said Peter Dangl, Director EEMEA Distribution at PUMA.

The unveiling was accompanied by a launch video that previews the ball’s role in the competition. ITRI will make its on-pitch debut during the opening match on 21 December 2025. Serving as both a cultural artefact and a precision instrument, the ball is prepared to take centre stage in Africa’s biggest football event.

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