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- More Than a Ball — How Morocco Turned AFCON Into a Cultural Statement
More Than a Ball — How Morocco Turned AFCON Into a Cultural Statement
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in partnership with PUMA, has unveiled the official match ball for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco. Named “ITRI,” the ball will not only mark goals in Africa’s most prestigious tournament but also serve as a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the host nation.
The design draws inspiration from Morocco’s zellij art, an ancient geometric mosaic craft that has adorned palaces, mosques, and fountains for centuries. The patterns on the ball symbolize the union of tradition and innovation, blending timeless Moroccan artistry with PUMA’s Orbita 6 technology, the same advanced performance system used in elite competitions around the world.
A Tribute to African Identity
The ITRI ball features intricate designs with deep cultural meaning: star patterns representing ambition and excellence, petal shapes symbolizing growth and celebration, and circular motifs evoking the unity of the 24 nations competing in the tournament. Its red and green color palette pays homage to the Moroccan flag, embodying passion, hope, and national pride.
“Created for the rhythm of African football, the AFCON 2025 ball unites art, motion, and spirit, reflecting Moroccan craftsmanship and the energy of the continent,” said Mohamed Ghonemi, CAF’s Creative Development Manager. “Working with PUMA has been a privilege because this ball connects every participating nation through a shared love for the game.”
Tradition Meets Technology
The development of ITRI began right after Morocco was announced as host of AFCON 2025. Over several months, CAF’s creative team and PUMA’s global design unit combined cultural research, performance testing, and artistic exploration to create a ball that honors Africa’s heritage while meeting modern performance standards.
“We’re proud to present ITRI—a true symbol of the spirit of African football,” said Peter Dangl, PUMA’s Director of EEMEA Distribution. “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to the continent and to the communities that bring the game to life.”
The ITRI ball will make its debut on December 21, 2025, during the opening match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, where the best national teams in Africa will gather in Morocco for a celebration that blends sport, culture, and pride.
