Mary Fowler’s star has been on the rise ever since she went to the 2019 Women’s World Cup at the age of 16, and the Matildas attacker has now hit new heights as one of nine female athletes to be honoured with a Barbie doll in their image. Manchester City’s Fowler, tennis great Venus Williams, and football’s leading international goalscorer Christine Sinclair are among the trailblazers to be recognised with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in their likeness. Fowler worked closely with Barbie to create a “mini Mary”, which pays particular attention to detail. “I wanted to have my Barbie doll replicate when I feel my most confident self, and that for me is when I’m on the pitch playing football,” Fowler said. “During the design process, it was really cool working with the team to ensure my look was brought to life in my Barbie. “Being a positive influence, and seeing young girls recreate my look has been so special, and to finally hold my doll and see her wear my bubble braid, my gloves and even my boots, made my Barbie doll unique and connected to me.” The other athletes to be honoured are French boxer Estelle Mossely, Spanish paratriathlon athlete Susana Rodriguez, Polish sprinter Ewa Swoboda, Italian former swimmer Federica Pellegrini, and gymnasts Rebeca Andrade of Brazil and Alexa Moreno of Mexico. Mattel, the company behind Barbie, have previously honoured the likes of tennis star Naomi Osaka and skateboarder Sky Brown, as well as entertainers including Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain and Helen Mirren. Barbie now wants to honour athletes that have broken down barriers for women in sports, while also hoping to encourage girls to stay in sports and achieve their full potential. The former world No 1 Williams said: “I want other young girls to have that invaluable experience of playing a sport and what it teaches you and what you learn and what you take from it, not just that moment [but] for the rest of your life … I think it’s so important for girls to be in sports.” Fowler said she was “speechless” when she saw her doll for the first time. “I never would have thought that I’d have a Barbie that looks just like me,” she added. “There are so many other incredible women that have been Barbie dolls, and I just never would have thought that I would be up there with them. I’m just super grateful and honoured to be part of this.” There are no plans for a Ken doll in the image of Fowler’s partner, the NRL player Nathan Cleary.