As is customary for major tournaments, Euro 2024 will be accompanied by its very own mascot, adding a touch of charm and excitement to the event.
Mascots are an integral part of the tournament experience, often seen traversing host cities, gracing stadiums and engaging with fans in various capacities, from fan zones to press rooms.
The 17th edition of the European Championship is all set to commence, but what can we expect from the Euro 2024 mascot, and how did it come about?
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What is the Euro 2024 mascot?
Introducing Albart the Bear, the official mascot of Euro 2024!
Albart is set to capture hearts and imaginations across Germany during this summer's continental competition. With its playful demeanour, the hope is that Albart will leave a lasting impression on fans of all ages.
According to UEFA, Albart's mission revolves around:
highlighting an ambition to inspire children across Europe to get active and encourage a love of football and its values.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany defender Phillip Lahm, who serves as the Euro 2024 tournament director, shared his thoughts on the bear, stating:
As a parent, I know how important it is to stimulate children's imagination. With the launch of our tournament mascot, we hope to create a fun and likeable character that will inspire them to enjoy playing football.
What is the Euro 2024 mascot called and how was that decided?
The official mascot for Euro 2024 has been affectionately named Albart, following a voting process that engaged UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe.
In a nod to the tournament's host nation, the name of the mascot, a charming teddy bear, was selected from a pool of contenders, including Barnardo, Barnheart, and Herzi von Bar, all playful puns on the German word for "bear".
The name Albart emerged triumphant, with 32 per cent of the overall vote.
What does the Euro 2024 mascot name mean?
According to UEFA, the name Albart carries significant meaning, embodying the spirit of a "little bear with big ideas" and serving as the perfect companion for the tournament's fans.
Paying homage to the cherished children's teddy bear toy, which traces its origins to Germany in the early 20th Century, Albart apparently symbolizes warmth, comfort, and companionship.
More than just a mascot, the organizers say that Albart's aim is to inspire 10 million children across Europe to embrace an active lifestyle. Through UEFA's #MakeMoves initiative, Albart has embarked on a journey starting in schools, encouraging pupils to engage in physical activity and bringing the mascot to life through their movements.
Albart embarked on a tour alongside the European Championship trophy, visiting various cities and attending sporting events in the build up to Euro 2024.