Soccer Balls Were Once Made of Bladders

In the earliest days of the sport, soccer balls were far from the smooth, synthetic designs we see today. They were often made from inflated pig bladders, which gave them a roundish shape—but not much consistency.

To reinforce them, the bladders were wrapped in leather, though they still tended to be lumpy and unpredictable in flight. These early balls were also quite heavy, especially when wet, making headers and long kicks a challenge.

It wasn't until the 19th century that vulcanized rubber and more standardized manufacturing methods gave rise to the modern soccer ball—uniform in shape, weight, and performance.

This evolution played a major role in how the game developed globally, allowing for better control, more skillful play, and faster-paced matches.