Mitre, a brand etched deep into the DNA of British football, is celebrating a momentous occasion. Thirty years on from the debut of the legendary Ultimax in the Top-flight of English football, the brand is marking the anniversary with the launch of a special edition release.
Today marks exactly three decades since the iconic ball first rolled out onto a top-flight pitch in 1995, which went on to define an era of English football. Hitting the back of the net every week thanks to legends like Ian Wright and Eric Cantona. Now, the ball has been reimagined for a new generation of ballers, ones who didn’t see this peak of the English game. The latest drop blends nostalgia with modern performance innovation in the best way possible.
Rohaan Nirmalendran, Product & Design Lead at Mitre Sports, said: “The Ultimax is true footballing royalty. Back with a majestic new design and campaign, the Ultimax Pro 30th Anniversary Ball is a thing of beauty. Built with category-leading innovation, it lives up to its reputation as one of the most celebrated balls in the game.”
Back in the day, the Ultimax wasn’t just any old ball. It was the first to smash through the 100mph barrier, perfectly setting the tone for the fast, furious, and uncompromising energy of the top-flight of English football. The new Ultimax Pro builds on that legacy, engineering it for the modern game with max power, precision, and speed through Mitre’s latest technology. The introduction of the Hyperflow grooves reduced drag by 10%, making it the most aerodynamic ball in the brand’s history. Meanwhile, an upgraded Hyperfoam cushioning system increases responsiveness by 20%, providing cleaner strikes when it matters most.
Moving from the tech and onto the aesthetics, the ball wears its history with pride. The original six-panel heritage is preserved yet refined with fewer seams, elevating durability in tough weather conditions. Fans can stay happy as the iconic white, blue, and red graphics return, the familiar pattern now lifted with a touch of metallic gold detailing – a premium touch. A tribute to its debut year appears as 95 is featured with a stylised crown, marking the landmark moment with style and substance. The look is completed with a subtle pearlised finish, nodding to the traditional gift for a 30th wedding anniversary whilst also adding a modern twist.
Away from the ball itself, Mitre have launched a new campaign title ‘The Next In Line’, with three young ballers fronting as a reflection of heritage and the continuation of football’s story through bloodlines. The chosen three are: Raphaella Wright-Phillips (Ian Wright’s granddaughter), Ruben Butt (Nicky Butt’s son), and Jacob Fowler (Robbie Fowler’s son). This campaign perfectly captures legacy and the unbreakable bond between family, football, and the culture that surrounds it.
The special edition Ultimax is available now at prodirectsport.com/soccer
