The new Bundesliga ball, called Torfabrik, has been generating controversy in Germany since its debut in official second division matches on August 13, 2026. The equipment, manufactured by Adidas, prompted several complaints from athletes in interviews.
While German football’s elite teams are still carrying out their pre-season, the Torfabrik ball is already a fundamental part of daily training. Amos Pieper, Werder Bremen defender, reported that the shots hit the players with greater intensity than usual.
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“The new ball sometimes hurts a little more if you don’t block it properly. That’s why you have to be careful,” said Pieper.
Despite comments about the inconvenience, the defender also pointed out the advantages of the new material for offensive plays. He described that shooting accuracy can result in unpredictability for the defense, making the game more exciting.
“It gives you an advantage. If you hit the ball squarely, it can go anywhere. Once you can do that, it can be a lot of fun. Even if it takes a little time to get used to,” added the player.
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Goalkeepers express dissatisfaction with the characteristics of the ball
The main complaints about Torfabrik come from goalkeepers. Jan Reichert, from Nuremberg, and Tim Schreiber, from Dresden, who already used the ball in the first round of Bundesliga 2, mentioned that the material presents marked variations during shots, making defense more challenging.
“The Adidas ball is simply harder on the surface and therefore has a completely different flight characteristic. You can kick it much harder, it reaches much more speed,” said Reichert.
“It oscillates more now. But, on the other hand, you can hit the ball longer. That can be a weapon. But if you don’t hit it correctly, it just goes out,” Schreiber pointed out.
Adidas’ position on complaints about the new Torfabrik ball
Oliver Brüggen, a spokesman for Adidas, reported that Torfabrik went through a rigorous testing process in its production phase and that it complies with all standards and requirements established by FIFA.
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“Comprehensive laboratory tests were carried out, including tests on flight characteristics, accuracy and aerodynamic properties. Furthermore, the ball was intensively tested in practice by players of different skill levels. The focus was particularly on haptics, control and flight characteristics. The results confirm consistent and reliable performance,” explained Brüggen.
The company representative added that feedback from athletes and goalkeepers is taken seriously and that reactions are constantly monitored. He noted that the perception of flight characteristics can vary depending on the position on the field, the course of the game and the individual preferences of each player.
Torfabrik marks the return of Adidas as the official ball supplier of the German Championship, with a contract in force until the 2033/34 season. Previously, Derbystar had been the league’s partner since 2018.