
As part of Barbie’s 65th anniversary celebration, Mattel announced on Wednesday that professional tennis star Venus Williams is the latest celebrity to be immortalized as a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll. This announcement adds to the ongoing celebration of the iconic doll’s milestone year.
Venus Williams, renowned for her exceptional achievements in tennis, including four Olympic gold medals, becomes the newest addition to the Barbie family. Williams made history as the first female tennis player to receive equal prize money at Wimbledon, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,” Williams stated. “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”
Mattel is also featuring Christine Sinclair, the all-time top goal-scorer in international soccer. Sinclair, who retired from Team Canada duties in December, has become a Barbie role model at the age of 40.

Over nearly three decades, she has secured an Olympic gold medal, two Olympic bronze medals, three NWSL championships, and has been named the Canadian Player of the Year 14 times. She also competed in six FIFA Women’s World Cups, solidifying her status as a soccer icon.
On hearing the news, Sinclair said, “I was in disbelief. This is something I never thought would happen to me, but it’s a huge honor. As I’ve matured, being a role model to the next generation, and showing young girls that anything is possible, is one of the most important things I do.”
The Venus Williams Barbie features a white terrycloth halter dress, complete with a visor, sneakers, gold earrings, and a tennis ball and racket. With opposable limbs, the doll can replicate several athletic poses, capturing Williams’ dynamic presence on the court.
The release of the Venus Williams Barbie coincides with the introduction of eight other female athlete dolls from around the globe. These include soccer players Christine Sinclair (Canada) and Mary Fowler (Australia), boxer Estelle Mossely (France), gymnasts Alexa Moreno (Mexico) and Rebeca Andrade (Brazil), paratriathlon star Susana Rodriguez (Spain), swimmer Federica Pellegrini (Italy), and track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda (Poland).
“Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand’s 65th anniversary celebration by recognizing the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel. “The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment, and individuality. By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”