"Very Bad": Neymar Criticizes Penalty Ball Used in Brazilian Championship

In the aftermath of Santos' 2-1 defeat to Corinthians in the Campeonato Paulista, Neymar has voiced strong criticism regarding the quality of the official match ball, the Penalty S11 Ecoknit. He stated, "With all due respect to Penalty, who is the sponsor of the ball, I think they should improve the ball a little more; it's very bad."

Neymar's concerns are echoed by other players in the league. Corinthians' goalkeeper, Hugo Souza, described the ball as "horrible," noting its unpredictable behavior during play. Defender André Ramalho added that the ball exhibits unexpected movements during aerial duels, making it challenging for players to anticipate its trajectory.

In response to these criticisms, Penalty, the manufacturer of the S11 Ecoknit, defended their product by highlighting its FIFA Quality Pro certification. They emphasized that the ball was designed to enhance game dynamics, leading to a 19% increase in goals compared to the previous season. Despite this, Penalty acknowledged the feedback and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with clubs and players to address their concerns.

This situation has sparked a broader debate about equipment standards in professional football. While manufacturers aim to innovate and improve game dynamics, player feedback suggests that certain design changes may adversely affect performance. The dialogue between players and equipment providers is crucial to ensure that innovations align with the practical needs of those on the field.

As the Campeonato Paulista progresses, it remains to be seen whether adjustments to the match ball will be implemented. The outcome of this discussion could set a precedent for how player feedback influences equipment standards in professional sports, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts in the development of game equipment.