Manufacturers
"GOLEO VI: A mascot with character" FIFA Quote
Pille the talking football is GOLEO VI's constant companion. Hardly a marriage of equals, they are nevertheless inseparable thanks to a shared interest in sport.
Where does GOLEO VI come from?
GOLEO VI enjoyed a happy childhood in the African steppes. He was
born in Botswana on Friday 5 July 1985. The Roman numeral six after
his name simply indicates he is the sixth GOLEO in the family tree,
following on from his father GOLEO V in the normal fashion for a
royal family. He suffered an appalling tragedy while still a child:
he had strayed too far from his family and was discovered by
poachers. They caught him in a net and set off to sell him.
Onboard the ship smuggling him into Germany, he was freed by the
captain and nursed back to health. The young GOLEO VI revelled in
life on the ocean wave and stayed aboard ship for a number of years,
traveling the world and learning many useful skills. Still not
fully grown, he finally came ashore in Hamburg and sought the
company of similarly-aged friends. GOLEO VI hopes to trace his
family at some point in the future, as he is certain they will be
proud of him. After all, he is famous now!
How did GOLEO VI become a
mascot?
The stories vary, but what is certain is that GOLEO VI and Pille
were on their way to the "Registration centre for World Cup
footballs", where Pille was determined to sign up. The pair
discovered a notice reading "This way to the mascot casting". They
found a crowd of the most remarkable fellows, ranging from a giant
Berlin curry sausage to a mammoth Bavarian pretzel. But GOLEO VI is
not willing to divulge whether Pille actually performed his amazing
crossing, passing and dribbling routine to bowl over the jury under
Franz Beckenbauer, preferring to keep his lips tightly sealed. Some
people maintain that the lion himself - only by way of practice, of
course - let out a mighty roar in the waiting room. Suddenly, GOLEO
VI was the sole candidate.
Where do the pair live
nowadays?
Wherever Pille lays his sports holdall, that's his home - and the
same applies to GOLEO VI at the present time. As it became obvious
he would be permanently on the road at least until summer 2006,
something he is thoroughly looking forward to by the way, GOLEO VI
gave up his lion's den in the Hamburg harbour district and now
resides in hotels or with friends all over Germany.
What are GOLEO VI's chief
characteristics?
GOLEO VI is 2.30 meters tall and weighs 220 kilograms, the ideal
weight for a young lion. Despite his lithe and powerful physique, he
is a laid-back character bursting with the self-confidence typically
associated with the King of the animals. He never suffers nerves
before a performance or meeting with famous stars, as nothing can go
wrong for a lion like him.
If GOLEO VI isn't in a particular place, then he hasn't missed
anything, and whatever he can have without too much effort is bound
to appear in front of him of its own accord one day. He accepts
every opportunity to have a bit of fun without a moment's
hesitation. He prefers not to plan very far ahead, as traveling is
an end in itself.
GOLEO VI is a philanthropic lion. He protects the weak, and loves
kids and nature. But he would never deny his roots in the big city,
and that's where he feels most at home. He is the definition of cool
and never has a problem skipping round the queue at the best clubs.
GOLEO VI is a lion of the world but not a cynic. He is warmly witty
which appeals to his many female fans.
GOLEO VI has no need to boast about himself, nor is he especially
concerned about the time after his spell as a star. In short, GOLEO
VI is a very sorted character.
What are GOLEO VI's likes?
If GOLEO VI was only to do what he really enjoys, it would be
playing football or watching matches live at the stadium, eyeing up
young lionesses, stretching out in the sun while being tickled under
his chin and behind the ears, devouring hamburgers, meeting the
stars, driving an open-top roadster (in any case, he doesn't fit in
other types of car), and collecting replica kit.
What are GOLEO VI's dislikes?
Any type of net (including fishnet stockings), as a result of his
childhood trauma. Fishing nets are his worst nightmare, but
unfortunately you do find nets attached to every set of goalposts.
GOLEO VI has nothing against trousers, but he doesn't understand all
the fuss about whether he should wear them or not.
What can GOLEO VI do?
Anything you need him to: play the drums, draw figures without
trousers, laze around and relax. If he's in a really good mood,
GOLEO VI also likes to sing, much to Pille's disgust, as he finds
the racket truly appalling.
What characterizes the
relationship between GOLEO VI and Pille?
The relationship between GOLEO VI and Pille resembles the typical
interplay within an unequal double-act (Asterix and Obelisk, Laurel
and Hardy). Occasionally they cannot stand each other, but
ultimately they cannot get by without each other. Situations
frequently arise whereby they get on each other's nerves and begin
to think they would do much better apart. But at the critical
moment, their special friendship comes to the fore. Each feels
responsible for the other, and together they can achieve goals that
would never be possible on their own.
This give and take is reflected in dialogues between GOLEO VI and
Pille. Both are rapier-sharp and witty, and never miss a chance to
put one over on the other. However, if a third party enters the
scene, they are a true double-act.
GOLEO VI and Pille's optimal
stage role
The official mascot of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and his sidekick,
Pille the ball, are best presented in the star guest role. They have
strong claims to true stardom after stage appearances with Thomas
Gottschalk, Franz Beckenbauer, Pele, Zidane, Uwe Seeler, Rudi
Carrell and Otto Schily. In the context of an existing event
structure, with a presenter welcoming them as the day's highlight,
and if they are allowed just to get on with their unscripted patter
without any great ceremony in a lively, up-to-date and direct
manner, a visit from GOLEO VI and Pille is a real star turn. Just
like other celebrities, who might drop by on their way to Tokyo via
Rio and New York, their presence is an experience in itself. GOLEO
VI and Pille are not there to plug any particular product, because
others do that much better. They offer a fun element, the glitz of
the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and an appetiser for this summer.
- FIFA [fifaworldcup.yahoo.com]
Mascot Photos: FIFA's collection of the mascot's photos:
Mascots: Click the FIFA World Cup 2006 Germany Mascots Name to learn more
