Football champion Chloe Kelly named 2026 Barbie role model and honoured with one-of-a-kind doll

Chloe Kelly has made history as the first player to score the decisive goal in two major international finals. In honour of her significant impact on the England national team’s recent triumphs and her inspiration to a new wave of young football fans, a Barbie doll has been made in her likeness, even wearing her championship-winning England kit from 2025.

Chloe Kelly wears Tolu Coker paneled denim blouse and high-rise barrel-leg jeans posing with her new doll, donning her championship winning England kit in miniature.

Her career and successes with the Lionesses demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, leading her to become one of the nation’s most successful players and a role model who inspires young girls to work hard and dream big.

Kelly joins a star studded existing lineup of athletes in Barbie doll form and can be seen alongside other legacy makers, including US tennis star and entrepreneur Serena Williams, German pop icon Helene Fischer, Polish Mountain Climber Zoja Skubis and US astronaut Kellie Gerardi, to name a few. 

“To have my own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll is something I’m incredibly proud of. Growing up, I dreamed about winning trophies and big moments in football, but I never imagined a different kind of milestone like this. I hope it shows young girls that they can grow up playing with Barbie dolls and with footballs, and that they don’t have to choose just one version of who they want to be. You can love it all.”  – Chloe Kelly, Champion England Footballer

Barbie understands that visibility can shape belief, and access to female role models helps girls imagine greater possibilities for themselves. Since launching in 1959, the brand has celebrated over 100 women from diverse fields who have made a positive impact. Through these stories, Barbie continues to promote representation and inspire future generations.

“Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything. From astronauts to CEOs, Barbie has broken barriers and redefined what’s possible – igniting imagination and inspiring generations of girls to dream without limits. This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to build on that legacy with the launch of our Barbie Dream Team, celebrating an extraordinary group of global trailblazers who are paving the way for the next generation. By honoring their achievements, we hope to inspire girls everywhere to pursue their passions boldly and realize their limitless potential.”  Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel.