As Boston hosts a portion of the FIFA World Cup, Massport tapped its Brand Marketing and Social agency of record, Allen & Gerritsen (A&G) to create what Guinness World Records has now officially recognized as the world’s largest soccer ball. Charged with the design, A&G developed the concept that became “Flight Path,” described as a visual expression of movement and connection, the energy of travel and arrival, the pride of representing home on a global stage, and Massport’s role in making those moments possible.
The record-setting 47.9-food soccer ball was unveiled at Massport’s Piers Park II on the East Boston waterfront during a press event hosted by Massport CEO Rich Davey, with honorary guests including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and local elected officials. During the event, Guinness World Records formally presented Davey with the official title of World’s Largest Soccer Ball, recognizing the record-breaking installation. As part of the celebration, Massport also announced the donation of 100 regulation-size soccer balls, based on A&G’s design, to the international nonprofit Soccer Without Borders, which has strong ties to East Boston.
The previous record for the largest soccer ball, at 38 feet and 11.8 inches, was set in Doha, Qatar, in 2013. Official sponsors of the initiative were HNTB and Suffolk Construction.
