Naomi Osaka's New Barbie Doll sells out in hours
Naomi Osaka, a tennis star, champion of racial justice, mental health advocate, and as of today, a Barbie doll.
Mattel / Sony / Skysports
Already Sold Out Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics
After beginning her professional tennis career in 2013, Naomi quickly rose through the ranks, eventually making history in 2018 as the first Japanese player to win a major title in a singles match. She won another major title in 2019, propelling her rank as the number one tennis player in the world. She went on to win her fourth major title in 2021. Known for using her platform to speak out about issues surrounding human rights and racial injustice.
Osaka truly is a force, on and off the court.
Naomi Osaka Barbie® doll wears a Nike tennis dress with brushstroke print, inspired by a look she sported at a major match in 2020. With a white Nike visor, light blue athletic shoes and a replica of her Yonex tennis racket, she’s ready to hit the court. This fully posable Naomi Osaka Barbie® doll makes a great gift for collectors, tennis fans and kids ages 6 years and up. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.
The doll itself wears the same outfit Osaka, who's sponsored by Nike, wore in the 2020 Australian Open: a Nike tennis dress (Buy It, $100, nike.com), white visor, colorful sneakers (Buy It, $140, nike.com), and carries a miniature version of her signature Yonex racket.
Osaka first partnered up with toy company Mattel back in 2019, when she was honored as one of Barbie’s “Shero” dolls. The vision was that these dolls would inspire younger generations, who will eventually become leaders and role models themselves, as a way to celebrate Barbie’s 60th anniversary. On Monday, the world No. 2’s doll was finally released as a "Barbie Role Model."
"Teamed up with Barbie back in 2019 but this time it’s officially official because today I’m introducing the Barbie Role Model Naomi Osaka doll. I really hope every child is reminded that they can be and do anything. This is really seeing a dream of mine come to life, having your own Barbie and potentially seeing little kids playing with it. Omg 😭🥰❤️" - Naomi Osaka (Instagram Post)
“I hope every child is reminded that they can be and do anything,” Osaka tweeted on her official Twitter account.
Naomi's Barbie comes out at a unique time. Since pulling out of the French Open and Wimbledon, she has become an inspiration for people who have decided to prioritize their mental health above their careers. She recently penned an essay for Time about this newfound status.
"I feel uncomfortable being the spokesperson or face of athlete mental health as it's still so new to me and I don't have all the answers," she wrote. "I do hope that people can relate and understand it's O.K. to not be O.K., and it's O.K. to talk about it. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel."
Photo Credits:
Mattel / Sony / Skysports