UD Almería unveil special anti-racism match ball for upcoming fixture

UD Almería have showcased the new official match ball that will be used in Matchday 31, a one-off ball designed to once again highlight the fight against racism. The message is embedded directly on the ball, emphasising its role as more than just a piece of equipment, but as a symbol of equality and respect.

This will be the third ball used this 2025/26 season. From Matchday 1 to 12, teams played with the traditional white ball, while from Matchday 13 to 30, the yellow ball was in use. The anti-racism ball will be used exclusively this weekend, before the yellow version returns for Matchdays 32, 33 and 34.

A fourth new ball, the Retro edition, is set to debut on Matchday 35 and from Matchday 36 through to the final match week, Matchday 42, the white ball will be used again for the remainder of the season.

Throughout the week, teams have been training with the anti-racism ball to get accustomed to it ahead of their matches. The same approach is taken whenever a new ball is introduced, as small differences in design or texture can affect passing, control and shooting.

The ball is part of the VS RACISM initiative, included in the wider LALIGA VS project, which aims to eradicate racism and xenophobia in football and society. The design has been created by Spanish urban artist SUSO33, a leading figure in graffiti and street art who has brought this art form from the streets to museums and international exhibitions.

For this special edition, the ball also features a fragment of the official anti-racism anthem released in March 2024: 'There is a colour that runs across the planet, under your shirt, and it is the same as my heart. I will love you above all, beyond the badge, only united can we overcome.' 

The message underscores that beyond team colours, all players and fans share the same color of heart, making the ball a powerful symbol of unity, equality and respect, far beyond the center of the game.