Mattel launched new one-of-a-kind Barbies made in the likeness of four rugby players from across the globe, including U.S. Olympic medalist Ilona Maher.
Mattel announced Team Barbie — Maher, English player Ellie Kildunne, New Zealander Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and French player Nassira Konde — on Oct. 6, encouraging young girls to “own their confidence proudly.”
The launch of the four one-of-a-kind dolls comes ahead of International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11. Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie, said in a news release that Mattel is “committed to breaking down the barriers — from gender stereotypes to self-doubt — that hold girls back from realizing their limitless potential.”
“We all doubt ourselves at times, myself included,” Maher said in the release. “But I am where I am today, because I kept showing up anyway. Even through tough practice days or days I didn’t feel my best, I continued to put in the work, strengthen my skills, and believe in my ability.”
The Ilona Maher Barbie doll will be available for purchase in 2026, and features a new muscular sculpt that is “designed to reflect the build of many strong athletes,” Mattel said in a news release.
The muscular sculpt has a “straighter, more athletic torso, visibly defined arms, shoulders and legs, plus sculpted core and back muscles,” according to Mattel.
Maher said she’s proud of how far she’s come, and that her commitment grew her confidence in herself and her rugby career.
“If sharing my story can inspire other young girls to believe in themselves the way I have, then I’ll have truly made an impact,” she said. “Being part of Team Barbie is about showing girls that confidence isn’t something to shy away from, but something to own. I’m honored to use my platform to empower the next generation to find that spark of confidence within themselves and let it drive them toward unlocking their limitless possibilities.”
Maher, 29, has taken the rugby world by storm, representing the U.S. in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics and winning the bronze medal alongside her teammates in Paris.
The rugby star spoke about her journey while on TODAY With Jenna & Friends on June 3.
“I did what I could at the Olympics, and I think it was amazing to get my sport on the map and to get people a little bit interested in it,” Maher said.
“When you think about rugby, you think like, ‘Oh, it’s a men’s sport.’ But no, women are killing it … and I’m so excited that, you know, for a sport that’s male dominated, I’m kind of the face of it,” she added.
Maher’s influence extends beyond the field — she walked the Sports Illustrated runway earlier this year, after landing on the cover of the famed magazine in 2024.
“I love showing my body. I love showing what this body has done for me — I’ve been to two Olympics now, it does amazing things on the field,” she told TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager in June. “It’s just perfect for what it does, and so strong.”
She added: “I think other girls seeing that and feeling like, ‘Oh my gosh, I have the frame of her,’ I think it has not only has helped me, and made me feel more confident, I think it helps others too.”