Asides all the action on the pitch, World Cup mascots have provided much buzz and excitement off the pitch over recent years. Fans always look forward to the new mascot to be unveiled for that edition as a character that will be immortalized forever as a face of that World Cup edition.
The FIFA 2022 World Cup Draw took place in Doha, Qatar on the 1st of April and the groups were not the only things to be made known to the public. As has been the tradition, fans got to listen to the official anthem of the tournament and there was also room for a mascot reveal to crown it all up.
Unveil of La’eeb – Qatar World Cup 2022 mascot
Using an animated video, FIFA unveiled the mascot as La’eeb, and explained the story behind the cool-looking figure as it was seen flying in the air.
Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Deputy Director General, Marketing, Communications and Tournament Experience, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “We are delighted to unveil La’eeb as the Official Mascot for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world. He comes from the mascot-verse – a place that is indescribable. We encourage everyone to imagine what it looks like.”
“We are sure fans everywhere will love this fun and playful character. La’eeb will play a vital role as we engage fans young and old in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup experience,” added Al Mawlawi.
Explaining the meaning behind La’eeb
La’eeb is basically an Arabic word that translates to super-skilled player. As per FIFA, he comes from a parallel multi-verse where mascots live and is a skilled footballer that has attended several editions of the World Cup in the past.
In fact, La’eeb even claims responsibility for Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal and Robin van Persie’s acrobatic stunning header against Spain in the 2014 World Cup.
We are all allowed to to interpret what it looks like as some say it looks like a ghost, handkerchief or even a flying kite. La’eeb promotes positivity and is a fan of ensuring that everyone has faith in themselves as ‘Now is All’. His job is to bring the joy that comes with football to everyone.
Asides the joy of football, La’eeb will also spread hope and confidence everywhere.
La’eeb will literally be the host for the tournament and will be all over the place in Qatar, welcoming fans and cheering the excitement on the pitch during the competition, from November 21 to December 18. FIFA will soon provide fans with access to buy t-shirts, caps and merchandise of La’eeb as well as download GIFS and stickers across several social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktop, Snapchat and WhatsApp.
La’eeb’s gender was not exactly stated but the introductory video described him using male pronouns. The look also gave away the figure of a male mascot so it’s safe to go with La’eeb as a male. Either male or perhaps not, we are sure that La’eeb will provide fun for global viewers all through the duration of the competition.