Adidas JO’BULANI sells via eBay auction for $78,808 (Photo by Adidas)

Herzogenaurach, Germany, July 15, 2010 – Today, the Adidas JO’BULANI, the ball used during the 2010 FIFA World Cup final between The Netherlands and Spain became one of the world’s most expensive pieces of soccer memorabilia when it sold for $78,808.  The ball, which was produced especially for the final, was auctioned on eBay and a group of Spanish fans secured the highest bid.  The proceeds from the auction will be donated to Nelson Mandela’s Foundation Charity 46664.  

Founded by Nelson Mandela and inspired by his Robben Island Prison Number, 46664 is the campaign vehicle of the charities established by Nelson Mandela designed to inspire individual and collective action towards a better world for everyone.

On November 11th, 2009, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution inviting the world to celebrate NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY (July 18th) – a day on which individuals around the globe are encouraged to donate at least 67 minutes of their time – in honor of Mr. Mandela’s own 67-year service to humanity – doing something good for other people.

The Adidas JO’BULANI, which is perfectly round and even more accurate than ever before, has attracted a huge amount of interest from bidders following the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ final five days ago, seeing 133 bids placed from 55 international bidders.

The ball enters the history books following a successful auction with a closing bid of $78,808, one of the highest bids ever for a soccer ball on eBay. In comparison, the adidas Roteiro ball used by David Beckham during the quarter finals of the UEFA Euro 2004™ sold for $42,949, nearly half the amount secured for the adidas JO’BULANI ball.

Following the successful bid, the proceeds generated from the auction will be donated to Nelson Mandela’s Foundation charity 46664 which was established to inspire individual and collective action towards a better world for everyone.

Having been confirmed as the successful bidders, the auction winners will be presented with the iconic JO’BULANI ball by a senior adidas representative in the coming weeks.

To send a donation to 46664 please go to www.46664.com.

Cesar Diaz is the Soccer Editor for Latino Sports. This press release was sent to him by the Adidas. Please send your questions or comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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