Venus Williams is a Barbie girl! Tennis star is honoured in new Role Model line-up of dolls which celebrates female sporting icons

Global tennis icon Venus Williams has been given her own Barbie doll in a new range that champions female athletes and encourages young girls to follow in their sporting footsteps. 

Nine female sports stars were chosen for the Role Model lineup, which has been launched by Mattel as part of Barbie's 65th anniversary celebrations. 

As well as four-time Olympic gold medal winner Venus Williams, the range also honours paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodriguez, as well as Man City WFC star Mary Fowler among other sports icons. 

Williams' doll shows the tennis star wearing a white terry cloth halter dress, a white visor and lace-up trainers - as well as some statement gold earrings as a nod to the tennis star's love of jewellery. 

The new doll also comes with a tennis ball and removable tennis racket, with movable limbs so she can strike various athletic poses. 

Venus Williams said she is 'honored to be recognised as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie'

Williams' doll shows the tennis star wearing a white terry cloth halter dress, a white visor and lace-up white trainers - as well as some statement gold earrings

The new lineup of sporty Barbie dolls includes (L-R) Italian Swimmer Federica Pellegrini, Spanish Paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez, French Boxer Estelle Mossely and Polish Sprinter Ewa Swoboda

Williams' doll comes with a tennis ball and removable tennis racquet, with movable limbs so she can strike various athletic poses

The sportswoman-inspired range from Mattel aims to highlight role models within the industry and empower young women to reach their potential - a mission that resonates with Williams.

'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,' the tennis star said. 

'I'm honoured to be recognised 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.' 

Williams is in good company in the new Barbie range, with eight other powerhouse athletes immortalised in doll form.   

Spanish paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez is also in the lineup, earning a spot for her barrier-breaking achievements in sport. 

Rodriguez was born with albinism and began running at age 10, going on to become a record-breaking athlete. She also worked as a doctor on the front lines during the pandemic, earning her the cover of TIME magazine in 2021. 

As well as four-time Olympic gold medal winner Venus Williams, the range also honours paratriathlete and doctor Susana Rodriguez

Man City star Mary Fowler has also been given her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football

The striker has become a key player for Australian national team the Matildas as well as Man City in the UK

 'Being chosen as a Barbie Role Model is a source of pride for me,' Rodriguez explained. 

'I hope that girls, when they see me and my Barbie together, see an example of someone who despite having certain challenges can achieve their goals through work, effort and above all self-belief.'

Man City star Mary Fowler has also been given her own Barbie in recognition of her achievements in football. 

The striker has become a key player for Australian national team the Matildas as well as Man City in the UK, and was the youngest player to be selected for the FIFA World Cup in 2019 at just 16. 

Fowler's doll comes complete with her trademark gloves, bubble braid hairstyle, football boots and a ball. 

Fowler said of her relationship with sport: 'Sport has been important to me in terms of creating my sense of self. I think it has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. 

Swimmer Federica Pellegrini from Italy won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics

Boxer Estelle Mossely won gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and has held the IBO female lightweight title since 2019

Ewa Swoboda from Poland is a three-time European Indoor Championships medallist in the 60 metres

'If I look back on my journey and I think about the moments when I really felt like I took a step forward in my growth as a person, they've all been from moments where I was challenged as an athlete.

She then continued: 'The advice I like to give to aspiring athletes is to not be afraid of making mistakes.'

The full lineup of new Role Model Barbie dolls includes soccer player Christine Sinclair (Canada), boxer Estelle Mossely (France), gymnasts Alexa Moreno (Mexico) and Rebeca Andrade (Brazil), swimmer Federica Pellegrini (Italy) and track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda (Poland). 

Senior Vice President of Barbie and Mattel's Global Head of Dolls, Krista Berger, said: 'Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand's 65th-anniversary celebration by recognising the impact of sport in fostering self-confidence and ambition among the next generation. 

'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.'