Decathlon has steadily gained recognition for its innovations in football equipment, and their Kipstadium facility in Lille serves as the hub of this transformation.
With an array of engineers, at the top of their game, Decathlon’s approach to football design emphasises exhaustive testing and high-quality standards.
This has culminated in a major new partnership, as Kipsta, Decathlon’s football brand, has been selected as the official match ball supplier for the UEFA Europa League from the 2024-2025 season to 2027
At Kipstadium, every football is designed with an extraordinary focus on detail and performance. Decathlon’s commitment to FIFA quality pro standards, implemented since 2016, ensures their footballs meet the highest professional benchmarks.
The design process involves a team of specialists, with each individual responsible for specific components such as the valve, stitch, bond or material. This meticulous approach is reflected in their durability tests, which push beyond industry standards.
Decathlon’s Kipsta brand has been named the official ball manufacturer for the Europa Conference League
Kipsta also provides the ball for the Europa League and will do so until 2027 (Pictured: Tottenham vs Qarabag)
While a few competitors test their balls with 2,000 hits against a wall, Decathlon’s footballs are subjected to 2,500 hits to ensure greater longevity and superior performance.
Decathlon believes that footballs, like boots, should be tailored to the conditions they are played in. Whether on dry, wet, or artificial surfaces, the company designs footballs optimised for different playing environments.
This philosophy extends into their partnership with UEFA, where Kipata balls will be used for matches in the Europa League and Conference League. These footballs have been praised for their grip, landing zone precision, and durability under various weather conditions.
The use of thermobonding technology further enhances the durability of Decathlon’s footballs. This seamless technology ensures that the ball maintains its integrity over extended use, offering consistent performance across all conditions.
Extensive Testing: From lab to field
Decathlon’s commitment to rigorous testing sets it apart from any other brand. Under the guidance of David Duquesnoy, a retired professional player, the footballs also undergo extensive real-world testing.
Players from various levels, both amateur and professional, participate in these tests, which are conducted across different weather and pitch conditions.
In the lead-up to their role as the official ball supplier for the Europa League and Conference League, Decathlon worked with over 10 professional teams in France to evaluate the ball’s prototypes.
This collaboration ensured that the final product met the most stringent technical standards required for elite football. The Kipsta ball, awarded the FIFA quality pro label, has become one of the most thoroughly tested footballs on the market.
Affordable Innovation: High quality at accessible prices
One of the key pillars of Decathlon’s mission is making high-quality sports equipment accessible to all. While a Champions League ball is priced around £130, Decathlon’s Europa and Conference league footballs retail at £69.99
But don’t fret, the price of the ball doesn’t hinder the significant difference in quality, durability, and performance. By maintaining low marketing costs and slim profit margins, Decathlon is able to produce top-tier equipment without pricing out players of all levels.
Manufactured in Pakistan, a global hub for football production, Decathlon’s footballs benefit from high-quality craftsmanship and package the innovative production techniques that Decathlon have created.
The final product at Kipstadium is tested until it meets the most stringent technical standards required for elite football
Balls are tested rigorously at Kipstadium, including firing from a mechanised ‘cannon’ into a hard surface up to 2,500 times
Kipstadium: The centre of football innovation
Kipstadium is not just a testing ground — it is the epicenter of Decathlon’s football design and development. The facility brings together engineers, testers, and athletes in a collaborative effort to refine every detail of the footballs they produce.
New designs undergo rigorous field trials and feedback sessions, which provide valuable insights for improvement.
Founded by a group of five friends passionate about cycling, Decathlon has carried forward its collaborative spirit, allowing them to remain agile and innovative in the world of football.
This close-knit culture and focus on player needs have been key to their success in designing products that resonate with both amateur and professional footballers.
Decathlon’s Kipstadium facility is the epicentre for their football technology testing excellence
Decathlon’s future in football
With the unveiling of their new Europa League and Conference League match balls, Decathlon continues to prove that exhaustive testing, high-quality design, and affordable pricing can coexist. Their relentless focus on science, innovation, and player feedback sets them apart in a competitive market.
As Decathlon enters this new era of supplying footballs for prestigious UEFA tournaments, the brand is positioned not just as a contender but as a leader in football design. Whether it’s on Europe’s biggest stages or local grassroots pitches, Decathlon’s footballs are quietly shaping the future of the sport.