Fans and schoolchildren decided its name
Albärt the teddy bear was the UEFA EURO 2024 mascot
The mascot of the UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany was teddy bear Albärt. He was seen in many places in Munich around the European Championships, for example at the Munich Arena or in the fan zone in the Olympic Park.
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Mascot Albärt at #hockdiher
During the European Championships, Albärt not only visited the Fan Zone, but also the #hockdiher benches and enjoyed having his photo taken with fans. Whether at the start at the airport with Scottish fans or at the end on the last day during a competition: the encounters with Albärt will be remembered by many fans (and not just as photos).
Fans had their photo taken with Albärt
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EM mascot: Fans voted for Albärt as the name
The football family decided and named the mascot for UEFA EURO 2024 Albärt. The teddy bear followed in the illustrious, oversized footsteps of Berni, Goaliath, Rabbit and Kinas, who were all UEFA EURO mascots.
Bärnardo, Bärnheart and Herzi von Bär were also on the final ballot. In the end, Albärt came out on top with 32% of the votes. UEFA.com users and schoolchildren across Europe voted as part of the UEFA Football in Schools programme.
Just under a year before the start of UEFA EURO 2024, the mascot was presented to German fans for the first time before the national team's friendly match against Colombia on 20 June 2023 in the Arena AufSchalke. However, Albärt made his debut the same morning at a primary school in Gelsenkirchen to inspire children across Europe about football and its values.
UEFA EURO 2024: Mascot pays tribute to teddy bear
A bear based on the popular teddy bear, which is believed to have first seen the light of day in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century, ensured a great atmosphere and recognition value around the tournament. He was involved in numerous initiatives and partnerships to inspire children across Europe to get more active, play football and embrace its values.
The mascot embarked on its #MakeMoves journey to schools across Europe, encouraging pupils to bring the mascot to life and get it moving through their own physical activity. Children were able to create their own special skills and celebrations and have them transformed into mascot animations for the tournament using the latest motion capture technology.
UEFA EURO 2024 mascot Albärt at the spring festival in Munich
Albärt showed up in many places before the tournament in the host city of Munich. This was also the case at the spring festival on the Theresienwiese, where EURO mascot Albärt paid a visit together with Munich sports officer Florian Kraus. Together with the Münchner Kindl, they rode the Ferris wheel, tested the giant slide, threw cans and finally visited the stand with the delicious gingerbread hearts.
The countless selfie requests during the Volksfest visit clearly showed that the people of Munich wer looking forward to mascot Albärt and the European Football Championship in Germany - and especially to the six games in Munich
Albärt was of course also present at the 100 days to go event in the Olympic Park at the beginning of March, where the supporting program of the Host City Munich around the European Championship games was presented.
Mascot Albärt at the 100 days to go event in Munich
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Philipp Lahm and Celia Šašić: Mascot sends an important message
Philipp Lahm, Tournament Director of UEFA EURO 2024 and former captain of the German national team, said: "As a family man, I know how important it is to stimulate children's imaginations. With the introduction of our mascot, we hope to create a fun and likeable character that will inspire children to play football."
Celia Šašić, UEFA EURO 2024 tournament ambassador and DFB vice-president, added: "You can't lay the foundations for exercise, enjoyment of the game and team spirit early enough. It's great to see UEFA inspiring the next generation to build self-confidence, lead an active lifestyle and understand the importance of team spirit - all important lessons that will shape their future. This mascot will convey this important message.
On behalf of the Department of Education and Sport
This article about the UEFA EURO 2024 in the host city of Munich, one of 10 host cities of the European Football Championship in Germany, was commissioned by the Department of Education and Sport (RBS). The content was coordinated between the RBS and muenchen.de, the official city portal.