The first Football World Cup was organised in 1930, but the year 1966 was the first time the concept of Mascot was introduced to the world of football. The first ever mascot was named Willie. It was a lion, who separately wore a T-shirt with the theme of the English flag. After this, the trend of mascot started coming in every World Cup. Siyo, Gochito, Zakumi and Phuleko are some of the mascots that have been used for the Football World Cup so far.
But the biggest discussion among all was that what kind of mascot would be designed for the FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar this year. This time the name of the mascot is La’eeb. It was first introduced at the FIFA World Cup draw i.e. on April 1, in Doha, Qatar.
La’eeb was revealed before the World Cup schedule. Through an animated video, La’eeb told his story to millions of people. In this, the mascot was flying in the air and at the same time it was also telling its story through video representation.
La’eeb has now been launched everywhere on different platforms from where you can use stickers, gifs, screensavers and filters. But as soon as La’eeb was presented to the world, everyone sgot curious behind its meaning. In such a situation, we have brought the complete story for you
What is the World Cup 2022 Mascot?
On seeing La’eeb for the first time, it could be made that it’s a representation of a head gear that is worn in Qatar. La’eeb is a funny and quirky character from the mascot universe. It is a character that football fans were expecting, and it cannot be described in just one word. It symbolises daring, fun, strength, quirkiness etc. When La’eeb was launched, it was said that it comes from Mascot Versus which is a different world and since then it was trying to talk to humans. A story has also been created that La’eeb has seen all the FIFA World Cups so far and has been a part of many historic goals. Although its gender hasn’t been revealed yet, but FIFA is considering it male only.
What does the name La'eeb mean?
La’eeb is an Arabic word meaning a player with special abilities. La’eeb will be present during every match of the FIFA World Cup. During this, more of his focus will be on the young fans. The World Cup will start from 20 November which will run till 18 December.
FIFA World Cup mascots so far
After the 1966 World Cup, many mascots have been used till now. These mascots are made on the characteristics of the countries that host the FIFA World Cup. Here countries also release mascots to promote merchandise. If we talk about the use of mascots in the World Cup held so far, then a total of 15 mascots are included in it.
Year 1966 – England – Mascot Willie
Year 1970 - Mexico - Junito
Year 1974 - Germany - Tip and Tap
Year 1978 - Argentina - Gochito
Year 1982- Spain- Narangjito
Year 1986 - Mexico - Peak
Year 1990 - Italy - Ciao
Year 1994 - America - Striker
Year 1998 - France - Futix
Year 2002 - Japan and Korea - Coaches, Kaz and Nick
Year 2006 - Germany - Golio
Year 2010 - South Africa - Zakumi
Year 2014 - Brazil - Fuleco
Year 2018- Russia- Zabivaka
Year 2022 - Qatar - La’eeb
