From timeless icons to slept-on gems, these are the best Nike English Premier League footballs of all time.
We’ve had 25 years of Nike footballs in the Premier League, as the Swoosh went hit for hit in the post-Mitre era and delivered us some gems that are now etched into the history of the English game. For most people, these footballs are deeply nostalgic, transporting them back to when they were kids, and some even taking us back to the prime “Barclaysmen” era that’s so often fondly reflected on. As this era is coming to an end — the Premier League is moving on to PUMA — I’ve picked out my favorite Nike x EPL footballs from their catalogue.
Geo Merlin: 2000-02
This was Nike’s first ball in its partnership. It was a massive feat to fill Mitre’s boots, but the Geo Merlin was an incredible start. Nike claimed it to be the fastest and most accurate ball ever — and at the time, that was probably right. This kickstarted a massive shift in football technology and provided the base for Nike to kick on through the next 25 years.
Total 90 Aerow: 2004-06
The Aerow is probably most people’s favorites, especially when Nike dropped the first Hi-Vis ball using this model. It featured a unique six-layer construction to bring footballs to new levels of speed and accuracy, and the design, while an absolute classic, served its own purpose — it allowed players to track the flight of the ball better. Or that’s what Nike tells us. Either way, the Aerow and the Aerow II are icons of the game and go down with legendary status.
Flight 30th Anniversary: 2022-23
This design took on the Flight ball and transported it back to the Mitre days to celebrate the Premier League’s 30-year anniversary. Massive Xs, Nike written in the signature font, and little Premier League crowns throughout — this ball was a great ode to the start of what is now regarded as the best league in the world. It was also used in the highest scoring season in the league’s history as 1,084 goals were notched with it, mostly thanks to the introduction of Erling Haaland.
Total 90 Omni: 2008-09
Taking it back to the Total 90 days, the Omni was another edition that will be deep in people’s nostalgia. Greater geometric precision was the aim and a change in design as another bid to help visibility. The Total 90 days were iconic and the Omni definitely supports that notion.
Total 90 Tracer: 2010-11
Again, the Total 90 era shining through. The Tracer came on the back of the South Africa World Cup in 2010, where the adidas Jabulani caused chaos. Nike needed to get this one right. The ball had a synthetic golf ball effect on it, which helped with contact, control, and trajectory. They altered the design and in my opinion, it’s not a touch on the Aerow but still nice.
