A Mathematical Tribute to the Soccer Ball
NYT > Science·July 17, 2026
The soccer ball's unique design is based on a truncated icosahedron, a geometric shape with 32 panels and 90 edges. This shape provides the ball with exceptional symmetry and aerodynamics, making it a perfect combination of form and function. The truncated icosahedron's mathematical properties have fascinated mathematicians and scientists for centuries, and its use in soccer balls has become an iconic representation of the sport. The ball's design is a testament to the beauty of mathematics in everyday life.
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