The last quarter was eventful for Hankook there was a lot to be proud of:our Golden Ball partnership, developments shaping the future of mobility, community experiences, and excellent test results that confirm we are on the right track. We have summarized the most important moments.
In 2025, Hankook Tire was once again the official sponsor of the world’s most prestigious individual football award, the Ballon d’Or. The 68th awards ceremony was held on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the sport’s greatest stars gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the past season.
The sponsorship role not only provides Hankook with a spectacular appearance on the red carpet, but also actively builds its relationship with fans through digital channels. Joint online campaigns with UEFA aimed to further deepen brand loyalty and commitment.
“We are proud to continue our partnership as a sponsor of the Ballon d’Or. It is one of the most prestigious awards in the world. The Ballon d’Or has shaped the history of football and its international appeal extends far beyond the world of sport. Our partnership underscores our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, values we share with international football,” emphasized Jongho Park, President and COO of Hankook Tire Europe.
As part of Hankook’s global sponsorship strategy, it will continue to be associated with prestigious events such as Formula E, WRC, UEFA series and Borussia Dortmund, emphasizing Hankook’s global presence and passion for sports.
Winners of the 2025 Ballon d’Or:
Men’s Ballon d’Or – Top 5
- Ousmane Dembélé (France, PSG)
- Lamine Yamal (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Vitinha (Portugal, PSG)
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool FC)
- Raphinha (Brazil, FC Barcelona)
Women’s Ballon d’Or – Top 5
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Arsenal)
- Alessia Russo (England, Arsenal)
- Alexia Putellas (Spain, FC Barcelona)
- Chloe Kelly (England, Manchester City)
Other award winners
- Kopa Trophy (U21 players):
- Men: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
- Women: Vicky López (FC Barcelona)
- Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper):
- Men: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
- Women: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
- Gerd Müller Award (top scorer):
- Men: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)
- Women: Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona)
- Johan Cruyff Award (best coach):
- Men: Luis Enrique (PSG)
- Women: Sarina Weigmann (England national team)
- Sócrates Award (humanitarian recognition): Xana Foundation
Club Team of the Year:
- Men: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women: Arsenal
At Hankook’s “Design Innovation Day” 2025 event, two spectacular developments were presented at the Technoplex center in Pangyo: a 3D-printed, sustainable tire and a spherical PathCruizer vehicle powered by the WheelBot 2 robot platform.
The first development presented is an environmentally friendly tire made from recycled and renewable materials. Its organic pattern follows natural efficiency and was developed in collaboration with the Harvestance design team using special software. The goal: a durable, easily recyclable tire that serves sustainable transportation of the future.
The second concept, the PathCruizer, is a two-seater mobile cabin powered by the WheelBot 2 robot platform. Its spherical wheels allow it to move in all directions—sideways, diagonally, and even turn on the spot. This can be particularly useful in crowded urban or airport environments. The development was carried out in collaboration with the robotics startup CALMANTECH. In the short video below, you can see how skillfully the PathCruizer maneuvers.
The projects are part of Hankook’s international Design Innovation program, which works with renowned industrial and academic partners to strengthen the brand’s innovative role in the future of mobility. Previous concepts from the program, such as the Hexonic tire designed for self-driving vehicles and the Aeroflow high-speed model, have already won prestigious design awards, including the Red Dot, iF, and IDEA Awards.
In Hungary, the Works Council every year organizes a fishing competition for Hankook employees in Hantos, where once again food and drink packages and valuable prizes awaited the participants this year. The aim of the event is to provide an opportunity for relaxation and community building beyond the competition itself. Together with their family members, nearly 180 people took part in the events held in September, which were timed so that all five shifts had the opportunity to enter the competition.
In the competition, the three most successful anglers in each of the two categories – “total weight” and “biggest fish” – were awarded prizes, with the winners receiving valuable prizes, including a cup, a rod, and a reel. As a new feature this year, everyone could only compete in the category that was most advantageous for them.
Here is the list of the most successful anglers in the 2025 Hantos competition:
| ÜT Horgászverseny, Hantos – 2025 | ||||||
| Műszak | Összsúly kategória | Legnagyobb hal kategória | ||||
| 1. helyezett | 2. helyezett | 3. helyezett | 1. helyezett | 2. helyezett | 3. helyezett | |
| A | Klenovics Attila | Farkas József | Molnár Nikolasz | Raffael Attila | Németh Zsolt (Pacal) | Hoffer Béla |
| B | Bagdi László | Györki Kálmán | Juhász Zsolt | Kovalov Oleksandr | Jeszenszki Zoltán | Bozoki Márk |
| C | Jánosi Roland | Jakab Gábor | Hodosán Jenő | Katona József | Győri László | Molnár István Tamás |
| D | Borostyán Balázs | Lantos Balázs | Fábián Norbert | Csorba Norbert | Hajmási Norbert | Potyondi Viktor |
| Daily | Keresztes István | Karikás László | Kósa István | Kocsis Viktor | Makó István Péter | Hatvany Zsolt |
Asia’s largest test track, Hankook Technoring, can now be admired in miniature form: Wani Kim, a certified LEGO expert, built the 1:700 scale model from 8,000 pieces. The detailed creation includes the iconic control tower, test vehicles, skid pads, and off-road tracks. In reality, Technoring is located in Taean, South Korea, covering an area the size of 12 soccer fields, comprising a total of 13 different test tracks, with the highest point reaching 37 meters. Due to its monumental size and complexity, it is particularly valuable that it could be brought to life as a LEGO model – with artistic precision and impressive detail. Wani Kim not only builds, but also programs – his own software helped with modeling and construction planning. For the final assembly, he also used a hammer and glue to preserve his creation for posterity.
The project is part of the Hankook X Digital Creator collaboration, which appeals to young audiences with innovative and cutting-edge content.
An exciting video was also made about the construction of the LEGO test track, which can be viewed here:
Hankook winter tires excelled in independent tests conducted by the prestigious Auto Bild magazine and ADAC, demonstrating balanced performance, excellent safety reserves, and impressive efficiency.
Winter i*cept RS3 – exemplary performance on snowy and wet roads
The compact RS3 model in size 215/55 R17 received ratings of “exemplary” and “very good”. The testers highlighted its excellent braking performance on snowy and wet roads, as well as its protection against aquaplaning. The driving experience was reminiscent of summer tires – stable, precise and safe.
Winter i*cept evo 3 – snow specialist for sporty models
The evo 3 tire for sporty compact cars received a “good” rating in size 225/40 R18. According to the tests, it performed excellently on snow, especially when cornering and braking, while offering low wear and a long service life. Its efficiency is impressive thanks to its low weight and fuel consumption. The ADAC also praised its environmental and economic indicators.
Winter i*cept evo 3 X – reliable SUV tire
The 235/50 R19 evo 3 X model also received a “good” rating in the sporty SUV test. The testers reported balanced performance, especially when braking on snow and wet surfaces, as well as in slalom situations.
Hankook winter tires have proven themselves not only in laboratory tests, but also in real-world driving conditions, proving to be reliable companions in cold, slippery conditions – providing stable grip, effective braking, and a safe driving experience.
