Year: 2026

Chloe Kelly Becomes First English Women’s Footballer With Barbie Doll

Celebrating a champion with a dreamhouse moment. Chloe Kelly is stepping into the Barbie Dream Team after a fairytale 2025, becoming the first English women’s footballer to receive her own Barbie doll. Arriving just ahead of International Women’s Day, the miniature tribute places Kelly among Barbie’s growing roster of Role Models who are recognized for inspiring the next generation. The special-edition doll is crafted in Kelly’s likeness, complete with the full football kit she wore when lifting the Women’s European Championship trophy for the second time last summer. The moment captured in miniature celebrates the Lioness’ pivotal contribution to England’s success, cementing her status as both a sporting hero and a role model for young athletes around the world. Kelly now joins a distinguished lineup of Barbie Role Models spanning sport, beauty and entertainment, including Serena Williams, Pat McGrath and Kylie Minogue — all recognized for their impact across industries and cultures. Speaking about the honor, Kelly shared her pride in the milestone: “To have my own one-of-a-kind Barbie doll is something I’m incredibly proud of. Growing up, I dreamed about winning trophies and big moments in football, but I never imagined a different kind of milestone like this. I hope it shows young girls that they can grow up playing with Barbie dolls and with footballs, and that they don’t have to choose just one version of who they want to be. You can love it all.” Through this tribute, Barbie continues its mission of spotlighting women who redefine what young girls can imagine for themselves whether that dream begins on the football pitch or in the playroom.

Fine Art Photographer Samson Oriyomi Yusuf Featured in the 35th Community Art Exhibition in Virtual Reality

International fine art photographer Samson Oriyomi Yusuf is currently exhibiting his photographic works in the “35th Community Art Exhibition in Virtual Reality,” an innovative global group exhibition organized by Circular Art-space in Bristol, United Kingdom. The exhibition opened on February 26, 2026, and continues to welcome virtual visitors worldwide until March 22, 2026. The exhibition brings together an international selection of contemporary artists, presenting their works within an immersive virtual reality platform that allows audiences to experience art beyond the boundaries of physical galleries. This forward-thinking exhibition model reflects the evolving landscape of contemporary art presentation and digital engagement. Among the featured artists is Samson Oriyomi Yusuf, whose fine art photography contributes a compelling visual narrative to the exhibition. His work reflects a thoughtful exploration of artistic expression through photography, highlighting themes of creativity, visual storytelling, and conceptual interpretation. Yusuf’s participation reinforces the growing impact of photographic art within global contemporary exhibitions. The 35th Community Art Exhibition in Virtual Reality showcases works by an international group of artists including Mia Banks, Katie Butler, Olga Chekmazova, Francis Chukwuneye, Tessa Coe, Elisabeta Carmen Erdos, P. Franciulli, TG Freeson, Lisa Goddard, Christina Godley, L.C. Hess, Carys Lacey, Savana Mitchell, Nukleopatra, Samson Ojeifo, Lucy Rendle, Bryn Richards, Dey Roper, Aloise Sauthier, and Samson Oriyomi Yusuf. By bringing together artists from diverse creative backgrounds, the exhibition celebrates artistic collaboration and cultural dialogue while offering audiences a dynamic digital space to discover contemporary artworks. Circular Art-space continues its mission of supporting emerging and established artists by providing accessible platforms that connect global audiences with contemporary art practices. The exhibition remains open to the public in its virtual format until March 22, 2026, allowing art enthusiasts, collectors, and cultural audiences worldwide to explore the works online.