Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka now has her own line of Barbie dolls.
The 23-year-old world No. 2 tennis player, who has used her position to call attention to issues of police violence and racial inequality, became a part of Mattel push to make its iconic toy line more diverse with dolls based on different role models and professions.
Mattel’s tie-up with Japan’s Osaka is the latest example of brands becoming more comfortable with taking a stand on social issues and banking on partnerships with female athletes to pull in new customers.
