Venus Williams is among the athletes honored in Mattel’s new Team Barbie collection. The custom dolls, styled to resemble notable sports stars, are part of Barbie’s 65th anniversary celebration.
Venus Williams and Barbie’s Shared Mission
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,” Williams stated. “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”
The Team Barbie collection also includes Canadian soccer player Christine Sinclair, Australian football player Mary Fowler, French boxer Estelle Mossley, Mexican gymnast Alexa Moreno, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, Spanish para-triathlete Susana Rodriguez, Italian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, and Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda. These athletes represent nine different countries, showcasing the global impact of sports.
Empowering the Next Generation
In addition to the dolls, Mattel supports initiatives like the Barbie Dream Gap Project. This project aims to close the gap that prevents girls from achieving their dreams. Barbie has also partnered with VOICEINSPORT, a digital sports platform dedicated to keeping girls engaged in sports. Together, they offer virtual mentoring sessions throughout the year.
“The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment, and individuality,” shared Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel. “By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”
Williams, 43, has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, five Wimbledon titles, and four Olympic gold medals. Her legacy extends beyond the court as she inspires social change within tennis and the broader sports industry. “Venus Williams has courageously persevered through countless obstacles to inspire social change within tennis and the sports industry at large,” Mattel said in a statement.