Molten Corporation (Headquarters: Nishi-ku, Hiroshima City, Japan; President and CEO: Kiyo Tamiaki), a manufacturer of sports equipment, will renew its football “Vantaggio,” in celebration of its 20th anniversary in 2024.

This is the 4th renewal of the Vantaggio series, making this the 5th generation ball. This new model achieved an even more durable surface when played under harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat on artificial grass. In addition, sustainable feature has been added to the surface of the ball by using recycled materials to make it more environmentally friendly. The 5th generation Vantaggio will be used in many competitions and leagues held by The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) from 2024.

Molten will continue to develop and supply football products of outstanding function and design to every level of player, and work to fulfill the brand promise, “For the real game.”

Product Features

1. Technology

The 5th generation ball has been improved to endure use under high temperatures on artificial grass. By using an adhesive with improved heat resistance, it reduces panel separation, which can occur under high temperature conditions, and improves the surface to be more resistant to peeling, enabling the ball to be used in the best condition for a long time.

The company’s unique thermal bonding technology “Acentec” is used to realize a smooth and seamless surface structure. Compared to a hand-sewn structure, the ball feels the same regardless of where it is kicked. Also, because the ball has a low water absorption, it does not absorb much water in the rain, so the players can play in the rain in the same way as they do on a sunny day.

3. Design

We pursued a design that brings people involved in football closer and turns the excitement and energy into dynamic experience by depicting the football match through the ball.
The ball is designed symmetrically with geometric elements to show the balance and accuracy, and it has essential features of an ideal match ball.

Meaning of each design element

• Rectangle: Soccer field and the white center line
• Four triangles: Orange represents the players and blue represents the coaches, families, and fans who support the players
• Blue: “Flame” that symbolizes Molten
• Orange: Burning passion

Product Overview

*In addition to the Vantaggio 5000 series, there will be 4000 series, 3000 series, 2000 series, 1000 series, beach soccer and futsal also available for purchase.It may vary depending on the market.

About Molten

Molten is a manufacturer of competition quality sports balls and equipment since 1958, and has been manufacturing and selling game balls for basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball based on uncompromising quality.
Molten creates the official game balls and other innovative products such as sports equipment that are used in international competitions, world’s top leagues and teams, and continues to increase the level of quality as the global standard.
Please visit our website for more details. URL: https://www.molten.co.jp/sports/en/

About “For the real game”

Molten’s brand statement, “For the real game,” encapsulates what we hope to accomplish through our products and activities. It’s a testament to our conviction and attitude that the real game happens only when impeccable balls and sports equipment enable athletes to realize their full potential and maximize performance.
We are committed to this brand statement and will continue our business activities by manufacturing high quality products.

Product image data (JPEG) is also available

Contact: Takeshi Fuki
International Market Sales & Marketing Department
Sports Division
Molten Corporation
Tel: (+81-3)3625-7648
Fax: (+81-3)3625-7738