US EditionMattel to Release Barbie Doll Based on Rugby Star Ilona Maher, Other Athletes
Mattel’s Team Barbie dolls, modeled after four international female rugby stars, aim to boost confidence as only 53% of girls aged 6-14 feel confident in sports, survey shows.
- Launching Team Barbie, Mattel unveiled four dolls representing rugby stars from the US, UK, New Zealand, and France, available in 2026, in honour of International Day of the Girl.
- Research shows one in three girls drops out of sport by age 14, so Mattel, Inc. surveyed the United States, United Kingdom, France and New Zealand to inform Team Barbie, designed to inspire confidence and leadership among girls aged 6–14.
- Featuring poseable joints and sport accessories, the line includes uniforms, Barbie-embossed rugby balls, and two dolls with Barbie's 'Muscular' body sculpt showing defined athletic physiques.
- Mattel is donating £20,000 to the RFU and funding girls' sports organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, France and New Zealand to support confidence-building programs, Krista Berger said the campaign shows girls the future of sport is theirs.
- Breaking new ground, the collection advances visibility for women in rugby, tied to Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, with dolls representing four athletes including Ellie Kildunne, and slogans like 'Strong Girls Play Rugby'.
35 Articles
35 Articles
Burlington rugby star Ilhona Maher immortalized in Barbie doll - Vermont Daily Chronicle
Burlington native and U.S. rugby standout Ilona Maher now has very own Barbie doll. Maher, an Olympic medalist, social media influencer, outspoken body positivity advocate, and professional rugby player in the U.K., is being recognized not only for her success on the field but also for her candid approach to confidence and authenticity. As part of the campaign, Mattel announced the creation of a one-of-a-kind Ilona Maher Barbie doll, set to go o…
Barbie celebrates women’s rugby stars with new dolls promoting confidence
Mattel has unveiled a new line of Barbie dolls celebrating four professional rugby players as powerful role models.The dolls are modeled after Ilona Maher of the United States, Ellie Kildunne of the United Kingdom, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand, and Nassira Konde of France.Maher became the face of womens rugby in the U.S. after helping the national team win an Olympic medal. She has also been an advocate for challenging female stereoty…
Rugby Star Ilona Maher Is Getting Her Own Barbie
Mattel/ParentsGame on! In celebration of International Day of the Girl, Mattel, Inc. is introducing a brand-new line of rugby-playing Barbies known as "Team Barbie."The group of new dolls includes the United States' Ilona Maher, the UK's Ellie Kildunne, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe of New Zealand, and France's Nassira Konde. All four athletes are known for their award-winning rugby skills, along with the way they've been role models for kids and tee…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
