From Ball to Studs Covestro Plastics Turn Football Games Into High-Tech Duels

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What the so-called "Material Effect" by Covestro is all about in the background of modern football events is explained here by the material experts from Leverkusen, Germany...

Football may seem simple, as it can be played on any playground with just a ball, two teams, and a field. However, in reality, the modern game is shaped by high performance in the materials sector, as emphasized by Covestro. Adding to this are talent, tactics, and training, which can turn the equipment into the fabric of success. In modern football, the materials used play an important role. According to Covestro, they contribute to guaranteeing speed, control, comfort, durability, and reliable performance, spanning equipment, clothing, infrastructure aspects, and digital networking. Covestro, therefore, places this “Material Effect” behind football at the center—highlighting the often invisible contribution of material science to how the sport is played, experienced, and connected worldwide. Polyurethane (PUR), polycarbonate (PC), and other high-performance plastics support durability, flexibility, protection, and reliability.

According to Beckenbauer, the Ball May be Round, But That's No Longer Enough

Modern football is characterized by the attributes of being faster, more precise, and more connected, as mentioned above. Players sprint more, press harder, change direction faster, and must deliver peak performance under high physical and mental pressure. Behind this development are improved training methods and data analyses, but also materials that contribute to making high performance more reliable, according to Covestro. The ball itself is a good example of this. Today’s professional footballs are made of advanced materials, feature carefully designed surfaces, and are manufactured using precise construction methods. This results in consistent weight, stable shape, reliable rebound behavior, and, not least, almost predictable flight characteristics—even under demanding weather conditions. Compared to traditional leather balls, the modern "pills" that must go from round to square are optimized for greater reliability and more predictable performance.

In Football, It also Matters What You Wear on Your Body

Football boots have also fundamentally changed, as Covestro further explains. Modern boots combine lightweight upper materials, flexible structures, and high-performance sole plates. This supports grip, acceleration, agility, and secure ball control. The contact between player, pitch, and ball has essentially become a highly advanced interface. The rest of the sportswear also contributes to this. Lightweight, breathable, and durable textiles are in demand, helping regulate moisture and improve comfort during intense physical exertion. Covestro’s water-based polyurethane technology “INSQIN,” for example, enables high-performance textile coatings that offer softness, water resistance, and long-lasting performance while also supporting more sustainable manufacturing approaches.