The Derbystar ball in the Eredivisie has a reputation. Some say it’s got a mind of its own, making it the secret second opponent in every match. One minute, it’s flying perfectly into the top corner, and the next, it’s bouncing off a player’s shin like it’s allergic to proper football. It’s been blamed for free kicks that go nowhere and volleys that turn into defensive clearances. Players joke that if you can control the Derbystar, you can control anything—because it’s like trying to tame a wild animal that just refuses to behave!