Press release
Mattel Introduces Team Barbie to Champion Building Girls’ Confidence
Barbie spotlights female professional rugby players Ilona Maher (US), Ellie Kildunne (UK), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ) and Nassira Konde (France) to ignite
About this update from Mattel, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nBarbie spotlights female professional rugby players Ilona Maher (US), Ellie Kildunne (UK), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ) and Nassira Konde (France) to ignite confidence in girls\n\n\n\nIn continued celebration of Ilona Maher and the boundaries she has broken for women, Barbie will be releasing a production doll of Ilona in Fall 2026\n\n\n\n EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nMattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced today that Barbie is celebrating International Day of the Girl by introducing Team Barbie – a coalition of four powerful role models and professional rugby players from across the globe to encourage girls to own their confidence proudly. The brand is honoring these incredible athletes who recognize and harness their own power with one-of-a-kind dolls made in their likeness because Barbie knows if you can see it, you can be it.\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251005054158/en/Barbie spotlights female professional rugby players Ellie Kildunne (UK), Ilona Maher (US), Nassira Konde (France) and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ) to ignite confidence in girls.\nTeam Barbie isn’t afraid to boldly wear their confidence – in fact, it’s their deep understanding of who they are and what they're capable of that propels them forward. The women of Team Barbie are dedicated to believing in their abilities, even when competing in a sport often regarded as a male-dominated field. With Barbie, they’re on a mission to encourage young girls to do the same.\n\n\nKnowing how crucial sports can be in helping build communication skills, confidence, and teamwork, Barbie is committed to empowering the next generation to get their head in the game – and stay there – by sharing the powerful stories of this year’s legendary role models:\n\n\n\nIlona Maher (US): Olympic medalist, social media star, and body positivity advocate challenging stereotypes by embracing the strength of femininity.\n\n\n\nEllie Kildunne (UK): Key member of England Rugby’s Red Roses team, World Champion, 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year and trailblazer in the rise in interest in women’s rugby.\n\n\n\nPortia Woodman-Wickliffe (NZ): Two-time Olympic & World Champion, known for redefining the game with record-breaking performances.\n\n\n\nNassira Konde (France): Dynamic rugby star and Olympic me...