Off the PitchThe GuardianUnverified source· 27 Sept 2026
Footgolfers hunt 'worst ball' Jabulani in arms race
The much-maligned Adidas Jabulani, blasted at the 2010 World Cup, is now a prized possession in footgolf.
C. Clarke
player
Who
Ben Clarke
What
Collects Adidas Jabulani footballs
Sport
Footgolf
Ball
Adidas Jabulani
What happened. Ben Clarke, the world's leading footgolfer, regularly maintains a collection of Adidas Jabulani balls, the much-derided 2010 World Cup ball now favoured in footgolf.
- Clarke pumps up his Jabulani collection about once a month to prevent degradation.
- Elite footgolfers stockpile balls as prime currency in the niche sport.
- The Jabulani, once criticised, is now the ball of choice for precision play.
The Jabulani's resurgence highlights how footgolfers value its unique characteristics despite its poor reputation in traditional football.
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