Tennis pro and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka officially has a Barbie doll modeled after her.
According to Ebony, Osaka said in a press release, “It’s such an honor to be a part of the Barbie Role Model series, and to remind young girls that they can make a difference in the world.”
“I want young girls everywhere to feel empowered to dream big and to know that if they believe in themselves that anything is possible!” she added.
The doll wears an outfit modeled after a look Osaka wore during the 2020 Australian Open.
The outfit consists of a Nike brushstroke print dress, white visor, and blue tennis shoes, along with a Yonex tennis racket that looks similar to the one Osaka uses on the court.
SVP and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, Lisa McKnight, said, “We are incredibly honored to spotlight Naomi Osaka as part of our Barbie Role Model series. She has paved the way for future generations of girls to dream bigger, and through her unwavering courage and honesty, shown the world the importance of being your own biggest champion.”
“Naomi continues to break boundaries on and off the court and is a powerful role model to fans everywhere,” she added.
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Barbie partnered with designer Carlyle Nuera to create the doll, and he spoke of how much he admires Osaka.
“Obviously, Naomi’s athletic skill is unmatched. That’s a fact,” said Nuera in the press release.
“But what I personally admire the most about Naomi Osaka is how she uses her platform, the spotlight on her and her voice, to raise awareness about social justice,” he added.
This will be the second time Osaka has teams up with Barbie, after her 2019 when she appeared as one of the brand’s Shero dolls.
