Adidas has revealed its official match balls for the league phase of both the men's and women's UEFA Champions League — and the unveiling has sparked fresh questions about the long-term future of one of football's most recognisable designs.

The so-called 'star ball,' which has been a fixture of the UEFA Champions League for decades, may be approaching the end of its run. The distinctive design — featuring the iconic star-pattern panelling that fans across the world have come to associate with European club football's premier competition — has defined the look of Champions League nights for a generation of supporters.

Adidas's latest release covers the league phase of the competition, the format introduced as part of the Champions League's restructured setup, which expanded the group stage into a broader league-style round featuring more clubs and more matchdays.

An iconic design under scrutiny

The star ball has long been one of the most celebrated pieces of football equipment in the game. Its distinctive look made it instantly recognisable under floodlights, and for millions of African fans who grew up watching the competition, the ball itself became part of the spectacle — as familiar as the anthem that precedes every kickoff.

Both the men's and women's tournaments will use Adidas's new designs for their respective league phases, underlining the manufacturer's continued partnership with UEFA across its flagship club competitions.

Whether this marks the final chapter for the star ball's iconic silhouette remains to be confirmed. For now, it rolls on — but the question of its future has rarely felt more pressing.