THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018: Capi revealed as the Official Mascot

Capi revealed as the Official Mascot of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 (© FIFA)

The Official Mascot for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 was revealed on 7 June as a young capybara named Capi.

The launch event was held at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo (Uruguay) before the kick-off of the Uruguayan national team’s last friendly before their departure to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018™. An excited Uruguayan U-17 women’s team attended this fun event.

Capi is a nice 17-year old. In line with the capybara’s social nature, she loves to be part of a group, especially her football team, where she can leverage all her sporting and competitive potential. Her striking looks together with her friendly, fair and sporty personality make her an ideal ambassador for this tournament. Her attributes are a reflection of the values that FIFA wishes to promote among the young women participating in the tournament, as well as among the spectators.

Her name is a play on words between the chosen animal (capybara) and capitana (i.e. female captain in Spanish). It is also inspirational as the captain is a role model for the team, a charismatic and optimistic leader, who puts the team first, which perfectly illustrates Capi’s personality.

Before kick-off, Capi visited different areas of the historic stadium, had her picture taken with spectators and then went down to the pitch to meet both Uruguayan World Cup teams (the female players had just arrived from a month of preparation in China PR), showing her enthusiasm and inspiring national pride in Uruguay as the host country of the competition.

FIFA’s Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc’h said: “We are excited to introduce Capi, our new mascot for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018. Strong and joyful, Capi is an ambassador for young football lovers and she is looking forward to meeting them throughout the year at several venues In Uruguay, including schools. She symbolises hope and positivity and enhances the beauty of football. She is a leader and an inspiration, and we are convinced that she will keep inspiring the youngest generations in the future and encourage them to play football.”

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 will take place from 13 November to 1 December 2018 at three venues: Colonia del Sacramento, Maldonado and Montevideo.

(FIFA)