Introducing Albärt: The Face of EURO 2024!

Albärt: The Mascot of UEFA Euro 2024

Inspiring Imagination and Love for Football

Albärt, the teddy bear, has been selected as the official mascot for the upcoming 2024 UEFA European Championship in Germany. Chosen through a vote conducted among UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe, Albärt emerged as the winner, garnering 32% of the vote. This lovable bear follows in the footsteps of previous mascots such as Berni, Goaliath, Rabbit, and Kinas, all of whom have played a key role in the previous EURO final tournaments.

Introduced to German fans ahead of the national team’s friendly game against Colombia on June 20th, Albärt made its debut at a primary school in Gelsenkirchen. The mascot’s launch aimed to inspire children across Europe to engage in physical activity and nurture their love for football and its values.

Stimulating Children’s Imagination

Phillip Lahm, the tournament director for EURO 2024, emphasized the importance of stimulating children’s imagination and creating a fun and relatable character that will inspire them to enjoy playing football. As a parent himself, Lahm recognizes the role of imagination in children’s development and hopes that Albärt will serve as a source of excitement and encouragement for young football enthusiasts.

#MakeMoves Campaign: Encouraging Physical Activity

Albärt‘s journey will commence in schools across Europe as it embarks on a unique campaign called #MakeMoves. This initiative will challenge pupils to engage in physical activity and use their movements to bring the mascot to life. Cutting-edge motion capture technology will transform the children’s special skills and celebrations into mascot animations for the tournament.

Celia Šašić, EURO 2024 tournament ambassador and DFB vice-president, praised UEFA for inspiring the younger generation and providing them with opportunities to build self-confidence, foster an active lifestyle, and understand the significance of team spirit. She emphasized that these lessons are crucial for shaping a better future for the youth.

An Overarching Message

Beyond its entertaining presence, Albärt serves as a powerful messenger for children, promoting motion, playfulness, and team spirit. By involving children in the campaign and encouraging them to develop their skills and celebrate their achievements, UEFA aims to instill essential life lessons and values that will benefit them in their future endeavors.

The Importance of Mascots

Mascots play an integral role in major sporting events, capturing the imagination of both children and adults. They represent the spirit and values of the tournament, becoming global symbols of unity and celebration. Albärt, with its endearing appearance, aims to bridge the gap between young football fans and the world of professional football, inspiring a love for the beautiful game and encouraging participation at all levels.

Conclusion: A Fun and Inspiring Mascot

Albärt, the teddy bear mascot for UEFA Euro 2024, brings joy, enthusiasm, and inspiration to the upcoming tournament. With its engaging personality, the mascot captures the hearts of children and acts as a catalyst for their imagination and love for football. The #MakeMoves campaign not only promotes physical activity but also imparts invaluable life lessons, fostering self-confidence, an active lifestyle, and team spirit. As football continues to be a powerful tool for social change and personal growth, Albärt stands as a shining example of the impact mascots can have in shaping the future generation of football enthusiasts.