What’s in a name? Armadillo is unveiled as Brazil’s 2014 World Cup mascot

By BRIAN HOMEWOOD
Published on 17/09/2012 19:30

ENGLAND had World Cup Willie in 1966, Spain had Naranjito the smiling orange in 1982, France Footix the football playing rooster in ’98. Now Brazil have chosen an endangered armadillo as the mascot for the 2014 World Cup.

Fifa said the mascot, which was unveiled by former Brazil striker Ronaldo during a television programme late on Sunday, represented the three-banded armadillo, an endangered species indigenous to the South American country.

While nature’s version is light brown in colour, Fifa’s mascot is yellow with green eyes and a blue shell, the colours of the Brazilian flag, and will be holding aloft a football.

Other mascots over the years include “Zakumi” the leopard from South Africa 2010 and “Pique” the chillipepper from Mexico 1986.

“The mascot will play a key ambassadorial role in the next two years,” said Ronaldo, who played in three World Cups and was an unused squad member in 1994, on Brazilian television.

“I’m sure he will inspire many young football fans in Brazil and all over the world with the great passion which he has for the sport and for his country.”

Three-banded armadillos live mainly in Brazil’s arid north-east and are threatened by habitat destruction. They are unusual among armadillos in that they can roll up into a ball to defend themselves from predators.

“The fact that the three-banded armadillo is a vulnerable species is very fitting,” said Fifa Secretary General Jerome Valcke.

“One of the key objectives through the 2014 World Cup is to use the event as a platform to communicate the importance of the environment and ecology.

“We are glad to be able to do so with the help of a mascot who I’m sure will be much-loved, not only in Brazil, but all over the world.”

The Brazilian public will vote for the winning name, but which would you choose? Amijubi, Fuleco, Zuzeco, or something completely different?

Cast your vote on the armadillo’s name in the poll, and in the comments below.