The Interesting History of FIFA World Cup Mascots
The interesting history of FIFA World Cup mascots is our topic for today. Enjoy it!
What Is a Mascot?
A mascot is simply, a person, an animal, or an object which represents an organisation or is believed to bring good luck to a people or a project.
The Federation de International Football Association, FIFA, World Cup is always associated with a mascot.
That culture, however, did not start with the first FIFA World Cup championship in 1930; it came thirty-six (36) years later, in 1966.
The History of FIFA World Cup Mascots: How It All Began!
There are so many marketing elements that are required to promote a World Cup, apart from the action of soccer players on the pitch.
A mascot is definitely one of them. It has since become an integral part of the FIFA World Cup, though, not from inception.
The first-ever FIFA World Cup was staged in Uruguay in 1930, during which the host, Uruguay, playing at home, beat Argentina 4-2 in the final to win the trophy.
Between the years 1930 and 1962, there was nothing like a mascot in FIFA’s World Cup arrangement.
The First FIFA World Cup Mascot
The first mascot that was associated with FIFA’s World Cup came on board in England in 1966, and it was called Willie.
FIFA World Cup Mascots, from 1966 to 2022
The Interesting History of FIFA World Cup Mascots
Below is the list of FIFA World Cup mascots, from 1966 to 2022.
- 1966 World Cup (England): Willie
- 1970 World Cup (Mexico): Juanito Maravilla
- 1974 World Cup (West Germany): Tip and Tap
- 1978 World Cup (Argentina): Gauchito
- 1982 World Cup (Spain): Naranjito
- 1986 World Cup (Mexico): Pique
- 1990 World Cup (Italy): Ciao
- 1994 World Cup (USA): Stryker
- 1998 World Cup (France): Footix
- 2002 World Cup (South Korea and Japan): Ant, Kaz and Nik
- 2006 World Cup (Germany): Goleo VI and Pille
- 2010 World Cup (South Africa): Zakumi
- 2014 World Cup (Brazil): Fuleco
- 2018 World Cup (Russia): Zabivaka
- 2022 World Cup (Qatar): La’eeb
FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, Mascot
The mascot for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup is the friendly, exciting, and lovable ‘La’eeb’, with eyebrows, eyes, and mouth, and a lively, sparkling personality.
Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Mascot, La’eeb
The name La’eeb, according to FIFA, is “an Arabic word meaning ‘super-skilled player,” which FIFA says “will bring the joy of football to everyone”.
The Explanation Surrounding La’eeb’s Name
The presence of the apostrophe in the middle of the word is common when translating Arabic into the Roman alphabet.
Apostrophes are used to indicate glottal stops, a sound that is produced by obstructing airflow through the glottis.
This is common in Arabic, which is why it is marked with an apostrophe when translated.
However, because glottal stops aren’t typically marked in English, you may also see the apostrophe dropped, and La’eeb referred to as La’eeb.
The History and Symbolism of La’eeb
La’eeb simulates the figure of a white, smiling, soccer-playing turban. Its meaning, as I have already mentioned above, is ‘skillful player’ and is inspired by Qatari culture and customs.
He was revealed in a video with RedOne, the Moroccan-Swedish singer-songwriter who is FIFA’s Creative Entertainment Executive.
La’eeb was depicted flying through the air as part of the video explaining its story.
La’eeb encourages everyone to believe in themselves, with the slogan ‘Now is All’. No, we haven’t got a clue what that means either.
While revealing La’eeb to the world for the first time, on April 1, 2022, in Doha, Qatar, during the group stage draw, the Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications, and Tournament Experience, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, said: “We are delighted to unveil La’eeb as the Official Mascot for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world.
“He comes from the mascot-verse – a place that is indescribable. We encourage everyone to imagine what it looks like.
“We are sure fans everywhere will love this fun and playful character. La’eeb will play a vital role as we engage fans young and old in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup experience,” added Al Mawlawi.
Interestingly, the ball with which La’eeb appears is not Al Rihla – the journey – which is FIFA’s official ball for the tournament.
“La’eeb comes from the metaverse of mascots, a parallel universe that cannot be described in words and everyone can imagine it as they wish. La’eeb encourages everyone to believe in themselves,” FIFA said on that occasion.
La’eeb’s main objective, if you ask me, is clearly to bring positive vibes to the tournament.
The Interesting History of FIFA World Cup Mascots. THE END.
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