"Al Hilm" is the name of the ball Messi and Mbappe will play with.
adidas introduced a new ball that will be played in the semifinals and finals of the World Cup in Qatar. The new ball is called Al Hilm, which means "Dream" in Arabic. Until now Qatar has played with the adidas Al Rihla ball, which means "Journey.
The company reports that Al Hilm is created with environmentally friendly paints and water-based adhesives. The ball features a gold base, red accents and triangular patterns inspired by the local flag and natural landscapes.
“Al Hilm represents a beacon of light on the power of sport and football to bring the world together,” said adidas Football GM Nick Craggs. “Millions will tune in from almost every country around the globe, united by their passion for the game. We wish all teams involved in the final stages of the tournament the best of luck as they compete on the largest stage that football has to offer.”
Al Hilm is equipped with special sensors that allow referees and fans to track a large number of additional parameters. The sensors track the speed and rotation of the ball, and are also involved in supporting the semi-automatic offside detection system, which is widely used at the Mundial.
The new Al Hilm ball, like the Al Rihla, is available online and in adidas retail stores. It retails for $170, while a simplified replica sells for $40.
