The world will descend upon Australia and New Zealand for the Women’s World Cup this month, and one of the most important members of the welcoming committee is a soccer-loving penguin named Tazuni.
Last fall, Tazuni was announced as the official mascot of the 2023 tournament. Her name, according to FIFA, “is a fusion of ‘Tasman Sea’ – which she calls home – and ‘unity,’ a key value of the event.”
Tazuni is based on the Eudyptula minor species of penguin that calls New Zealand and Australia home. Colloquially, the species is known as the “little penguin” or the “little blue penguin.”
We are now journalistically required to show you a real picture of a little penguin.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Does Tazuni have a backstory as to how she discovered her love for the game? Does she also have an age and preferred position on the field? Check and check.
The 15-year-old, who plays in midfield, falls in love with football after joining in with a group of kids playing a game on the beach.
Her footballing dreams come true when one evening she gazes up to see fireworks explode overhead coming from a nearby stadium. The kids from the beach hand over a personalized football kit, and she confidently strides into the stadium to showcase her talents.
Perhaps even more importantly, Alex Morgan is already a fan.
The moment @AlexMorgan13 and Tazuni met each other! ☺️🐧@USWNT | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Or5zlJpb23
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) January 25, 2023
Game recognize game.
