Some of the toys on show are rare and some are over 60 years old. There are also many unusual items, such as figures of Betty Boop, Smurfette, Mickey Mouse, Snoopy and Fofolete dressed in the Brazilian national team shirt. The latest toys have also been included in the exhibition, such as various mini-cracks – including the recently launched player Debinha – and Funko dolls. The public will also be able to see a mini-Barbie football player and a Barbie coach, as well as a collection of plush World Cup mascots, from the puppy Striker (1994 Men’s World Cup in the United States) to the youngest of the class, Tazuni (2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand).

The list also includes iconic children’s publications, such as the Zé Carioca Manual, launched by Editora Abril for the 1974 men’s World Cup. There is also the 1970 World Cup sticker album (for men, in Mexico), and the Pelezinho Magazine Special Edition: 50 years of Pelé, published in 1990. The greatest player of all time is also represented in rare items, with a 1958 doll and a 1980 miniature.

The toys were collected by the Football Museum from collectors such as Sérgio Paz and Caio Infante, fans, as well as from the team’s own memorabilia. The extensive collection of buttons with teams from all over the country, for example, belongs to Marcel Tonini, a researcher at the Brazilian Football Reference Center. Several toys were also brought by the show’s curator, journalist Marcelo Duarte.

“The exhibition Futebol de Brinquedo (“Toy Football”) brings this play back to life, combining the affective memories of the elderly with the presentation of games unknown to the young. Proof that, as well as being one of the most democratic sports there is, football unites generations.”      

Marcelo Duarte (curator) 

Futebol de Brinquedo will run until April 2024 and is mainly sponsored by Banco Bmg, as well as by Goodyear, Rede and Sabesp; and supported by Cabot – all through the Culture Incentive Law – Rouanet Law.