# Square-Shaped Soccer Balls Oliver Binnian and Willem Slegers Designs the UNPLAYABALL By Amy Duong | Published 2023-07-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unplayaball References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2023/07/23/square-shaped-unplayaball-challenges-conventional-round-norm-to-advocate-gender-equality-in-football/) & [oliverandwillem](https://oliverandwillem.com/11/)  Designers Oliver Binnian and Willem Slegers design the UNPLAYABALL just in time for this year's upcoming [Women's World Cup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-world-cup-trophy). The UNPLAYABALL is a [concept football](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goal-concept) that metaphorically represents the challenges that are faced by women in the sport as a means to call for attention, action, and empathy. The concept means to disrupt traditional norms as a symbol of [gender equality in sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/more-ball-games). The square structure represents the barriers that are faced by female players in what exists as a male-dominating sport. The UNPLAYABALL challenges the ideals and encourages conversations that need to be put in place for better treatment that works toward more equal opportunities for female players. Although it can't be played on the field, it is a call for action to the community. Image Credit: Oliver Binnian, Willem Slegers ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gender Equality in Sports:** The UNPLAYABALL disrupts traditional norms and sparks conversations about equal opportunities for female players. - **Challenging Male-dominated Sports:** The UNPLAYABALL's square structure symbolizes the barriers faced by female players and calls for change in the male-dominating sport. - **Creating Empathy and Awareness:** The UNPLAYABALL metaphorically represents the challenges of women in soccer, promoting empathy and action in the community. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sports Equipment Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can explore innovative designs and concepts to promote equality and inclusivity in sports equipment. - **Sports Apparel and Merchandise:** Brands can create gender-neutral sports apparel and merchandise that support the message of gender equality in sports. - **Sports Events and Sponsorship:** Organizers and sponsors can leverage the UNPLAYABALL concept to raise awareness and advocate for gender equality in sports events. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Trans-Inclusive Soccer Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pitch-please.md) - [Tricolored Tournament Soccer Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifa-world-cup26.md) - [Deconstructed Eroded Soccer Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deconstructed-soccer-ball.md) - [Puzzle-Style Soccer Ball Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-my-football-kit.md) - [Unfolding Soccer Ball Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soccer-ball-set.md) - [Soccer Structure-Inspired Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ea-sports-fc.md) - [Playful Foosball Toy Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-table-football-moc.md) - [Official Connected FIFA Balls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/connected-soccer-ball.md) - [Encapsulated Soccer Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/table-football-game.md)