Why England soccer star Chloe Kelly gets her own Barbie doll
Why England Soccer Star Chloe Kelly Gets Her Own Barbie Doll
Chloe Kelly, a prominent forward for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League, has become the latest addition to Barbie’s role model lineup. The 28-year-old athlete, celebrated for her explosive speed and precision in scoring, is also a key figure in England’s national team, the Lionesses. Her inclusion in the Barbie series marks a milestone, as she was named the doll’s role model of the year, honoring her historic contributions to the sport. Notably, Kelly scored the decisive goal in the 2022 UEFA European Women’s Championship and the pivotal penalty in the 2025 Euro final, securing victory for the Lionesses.
As Kelly shot her Barbie campaign in a London warehouse, she expressed pride in the recognition. “To see a footballer with a Barbie doll shows that our sport is here to stay,” she said, emphasizing the cultural impact of the collaboration. The doll, dressed in the 2025 England Lionesses kit designed by Nike, features a red and blue ombre stripe on the chest and blue shorts with red and white side stripes. Meanwhile, the real Kelly opted for a denim blouse and tailored trousers by British Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, reflecting her signature style that blends high fashion with casual ease.
A New Chapter in Representation
Mattel’s Barbie role model initiative, now in its tenth year, seeks to highlight women who have “brought their dreams to life” and “broken boundaries.” The program has expanded beyond traditional beauty standards, embracing diverse body types, skin tones, and abilities. While past role models like Kylie Minogue and Viola Davis have linked Barbie to pop culture icons, the brand has increasingly spotlighted athletes. This includes figures such as Sue Bird, Venus Williams, and rugby players Ellie Kildunne and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, as well as coaches and mentors, aiming to reflect the full spectrum of sports participation.
Kelly’s story resonates deeply with this mission. As a trailblazer who debuted professionally at 17, she has not only achieved success on the field but also championed grassroots soccer for girls. Her rise symbolizes a shift in the UK’s approach to women’s football, which faced a 50-year ban from 1921 to 1971. During that period, women were barred from professional play, and those who pursued the sport were limited to public parks and smaller venues. For Kelly, representing football through Barbie is a tribute to her mother’s generation, who had fewer opportunities to engage with the game.
“Seeing football and Barbie, two worlds colliding, it shows to younger girls that we can do both,” Kelly remarked, reflecting on her return to Arsenal after a loan spell at Manchester City. Her journey to the club, which she joined permanently by summer 2025, coincided with a historic moment: Arsenal claimed their first European trophy in 18 years against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final. By July of that year, Kelly had also scored a legendary penalty against Spain, securing England’s second Euro title.
