Premier League 17/18 Ball: All You Need To Know

What's up, football fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into a piece of history that graced the hallowed turf of the Premier League during the 2017-2018 season: the official match ball. You know, the one that every striker dreamed of hitting and every goalkeeper dreaded seeing fly past them. We're talking about the Nike Ordem 5 ball, the chosen weapon for that iconic season. This wasn't just any old football, guys; this was a technological marvel designed to fly true, spin predictably, and enhance the beautiful game. The Premier League, being the most-watched football league on the planet, always demands the best, and in 2017-18, the Nike Ordem 5 was it. It was the ball that witnessed some incredible goals, stunning saves, and nail-biting finishes that defined that particular campaign. Whether you're a collector, a player, or just a die-hard fan who loves the nitty-gritty details, understanding the ball used can add a whole new layer of appreciation for the game. So, grab your favourite team's scarf, settle in, and let's unravel the story behind the Premier League 17/18 ball!

The Design and Technology Behind the Premier League 17/18 Ball

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what made the Nike Ordem 5 special for the 2017-18 Premier League season. Nike, as the official ball supplier, put a lot of thought and innovation into this particular ball. The key feature was its Aerowtrac groove system. Now, what does that mean for us mere mortals? Basically, these grooves were engineered to create more consistent flight. Imagine a perfectly struck free-kick – you want that ball to dip and swerve exactly how you intended, right? The Aerowtrac grooves helped minimize drag and ensure the ball didn't wobble around unpredictably in the air. This was a massive deal for players, especially for those free-kick specialists and cross-wielding wingers who rely on precision. Nike claimed this system could improve accuracy by up to 55%! That’s a huge number, guys, and it really highlights the cutting-edge design they were aiming for.

Beyond the grooves, the panel construction was also crucial. The Ordem 5 featured a 12-panel design, fused together using a process that ensured a more spherical shape and a tighter, more consistent touch. This meant that when you kicked it, it felt predictable, whether you were pinging a long pass or dribbling past a defender. The panels were also designed to distribute pressure evenly across the ball’s surface, which is super important for maintaining its shape and responsiveness, even after taking a few thunderous shots. The material used for the casing was also top-notch – typically a high-performance polyurethane that offered a great feel and durability. All these elements combined to create a ball that was not just a piece of sporting equipment but a finely tuned instrument for athletic performance. It was built to withstand the rigors of the Premier League, season after season, and the 17/18 Ordem 5 was no exception. It was a testament to Nike's commitment to pushing the boundaries of football technology, ensuring that the players had the best possible tool to showcase their skills.

Colorways and Aesthetics of the 17/18 Premier League Ball

Now, let's talk about how the Premier League 17/18 ball actually looked, because, let's be honest, aesthetics matter! The Nike Ordem 5 for this season featured a vibrant and eye-catching design. The primary colorway was predominantly white, serving as a classic canvas. But it wasn't just a plain white ball, oh no. It was adorned with bold geometric patterns and sharp lines in black and fluorescent yellow. These weren't just random splashes of color; they were strategically placed to enhance visibility. The high-contrast design was intended to make the ball easier to track for both players on the pitch and spectators watching from the stands or on their screens. In the fast-paced world of the Premier League, being able to see the ball clearly is paramount, and this design certainly delivered on that front. The fluorescent yellow, in particular, would pop under stadium lights, making those crucial moments – a last-ditch tackle, a thunderous strike – even more dramatic.

This particular design also carried a certain aggressive and modern feel, which perfectly matched the intensity of the Premier League. The geometric elements gave it a sharp, dynamic look that was very much in line with Nike’s futuristic design philosophy for their footballs. While this was the main design for the majority of the season, it's worth remembering that Nike often releases special edition balls for certain periods, like Christmas or the latter stages of the season. Although the core design remained consistent, there might have been subtle variations or alternative colorways that appeared at different points. However, the white, black, and fluorescent yellow Ordem 5 is the one that most fans will fondly remember as the Premier League ball of 2017-18. It was a design that aimed to blend performance with visual appeal, ensuring that the ball was not only technically superior but also a striking visual element on the pitch. It was a ball that commanded attention, just like the thrilling football played with it.

Memorable Moments Associated with the Premier League 17/18 Ball

Every Premier League season is packed with drama, and the 2017-18 campaign was no different. And guess what? The Nike Ordem 5 was right there, centre stage, for some truly unforgettable moments. Think about Mohamed Salah in his debut season for Liverpool. He was on fire, scoring goals for fun, and many of those sublime finishes were delivered with the Ordem 5. His record-breaking 32 goals in a 38-game season were often dispatched with the help of that distinctively designed ball. Imagine him, weaving past defenders, striking that ball with the perfect curl into the far corner – pure magic, and the Ordem 5 was the instrument of that brilliance.

Then there was Harry Kane continuing his prolific goal-scoring form for Tottenham. He was consistently finding the back of the net, and the Ordem 5 was the ball he was using to achieve those feats. His incredible hat-tricks and crucial match-winners were all played with this ball. We also can't forget the title race, even though it was a bit one-sided with Manchester City running away with it under Pep Guardiola. City's dominant performances, breaking numerous Premier League records – including the most points (100), most wins (32), and most goals (106) – were all achieved with the Ordem 5 at their feet. That iconic 1-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a game where City showcased their supreme control, was played with this very ball. It was the ball that witnessed their historic Centurions season.

Beyond the goals, there were also crucial saves and dramatic matches. Think about the relegation battles or the fight for European spots – the Ordem 5 was present in every single one of those high-stakes encounters. It was the silent witness to every thunderous strike, every perfectly weighted pass, and every agonizing miss. It was the ball that defined the goal-scoring prowess of some of the league's best strikers and was part of the narrative of Manchester City's record-breaking dominance. This ball, guys, wasn't just a piece of equipment; it was intrinsically linked to the stories and the legends of the 2017-18 Premier League season. It was the ball that made it all happen on the pitch.

Where to Find the Premier League 17/18 Ball Today

So, you've heard all about the Nike Ordem 5 and its significance in the 2017-18 Premier League season. Now, you might be wondering, "Where can I get my hands on this piece of football history?" Well, finding an official, brand-new Premier League 17/18 ball today can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but it's definitely not impossible, guys! Your best bet is to look towards online marketplaces and specialist sports memorabilia stores. Websites like eBay are fantastic places to start. You'll often find used balls from that season, and sometimes, if you're lucky, you might even stumble upon a new-old-stock item that has been kept in pristine condition. Just be sure to check the seller's reputation and look closely at the product photos to ensure authenticity.

Other online retailers that specialize in football merchandise or vintage sporting goods might also have them. Keep an eye out for sites that deal in official match balls from past seasons. Sometimes, football clubs themselves or official Premier League stores might have archival sales, though this is less common for balls from several years ago. If you're a serious collector, you might even want to explore football forums and collector groups on social media. Fellow enthusiasts often share leads or sell items directly from their collections. Remember, the price can vary significantly depending on the condition of the ball and its rarity. A match-used ball signed by a star player will obviously command a much higher price than a standard retail version. When you're searching, make sure you're looking for the