Saturday, May 24 2025 | Time 18:31 Hrs(IST)
SportsPosted at: May 24 2025 12:40PM


FIFA unveils Vito' the Vizcacha as Chile 2025 U-20 World Cup Mascot

Zurich (Switzerland), May 24 (UNI) Vito the vizcacha, a champion of Chile and its vibrant culture, friendly people and stunning scenery, is ready to welcome the football family to his homeland for
this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup after being unveiled as the tournament’s Official Mascot.
With his sociable persona, endearing appearance and boundless energy (hence his name, derived from the Latin word for “life”), Vito is sure to be a hit with fans from across the globe. The loveable vizcacha – an animal native to South America, which resembles a rabbit or chinchilla – will play a prominent role in promoting and representing the tournament at home and abroad.
The Official Mascot was revealed during a special ceremony at the Auditorio Osman Perez Freire in Valparaíso on May 23. The event brought together approximately 150 guests, 100 children from local communities, and distinguished figures including Minister of Sports Jaime Pizarro, Mayor of Valparaíso Camila Nieto, Chilean Football Association President Pablo Milad, and Chilean football legend Elias Figueroa, according to a FIFA media statement.
The celebration featured a mascot-themed mural painting in collaboration with a local graffiti artist, a football festival, and performances by local bands, creating a festive atmosphere that truly embodied Vito's vibrant spirit.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup has a history of showcasing football’s brightest up-and-coming talents, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Erling Haaland having graced the competition in the past.
As epitomised by its slogan, Legends in the Making, this year’s tournament will shine the spotlight on countless more starlets from September 27 to October 19. Games will take place at Santiago’s Estadio Nacional, Valparaíso’s Estadio Elías Figueroa, Rancagua’s Estadio El Teniente and Talca’s Estadio Fiscal.
Chile is set to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the second time, having previously done so in 1987, back when it was known as the FIFA World Youth Championship. The country’s rich history of staging major FIFA events has also included the 1962 FIFA World Cup, the 2008 edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015.
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, France, Italy, Japan, Korea Republic, Mexico, Morocco, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Ukraine and the USA have qualified to join hosts Chile at this year’s event.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said, “Unveiling the Official Mascot is always a special moment as we count down to a tournament’s big kick-off. Vito is sociable, welcoming and passionate – much like the people of Chile. He’s all about building trust and a sense of community, and he can’t wait for football fans the world over to come to this beautiful and vibrant country and cheer on their team.”
Chilean Football Association President Pablo Milad added: "Vito embodies the best of our country: the resilience to thrive in the rugged landscapes of the Andes Mountains at the end of the world, always facing adversity. This is what defines Chile: we are fighters who do not give up, but we are also joyful and surrounded by young talent. As a Federation, we take pride in presenting this mascot, in collaboration with FIFA and the Government, which will undoubtedly be a great ambassador for our country."
UNI BM
Tags: #FIFA unveils Vito' the Vizcacha as Chile 2025 U-20 World Cup Mascot
More News

RCB captain Patidar & SRH skipper Cummins fined for slow-over rate

24 May 2025 | 6:16 PM

Lucknow, May 24 (UNI) Royal Challengers Bengaluru designated captain Rajat Patidar has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during Match No. 65 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana
Cricket Stadium, here on Friday night.

see more..

Ronaldo could play in Club World Cup: Infantino

24 May 2025 | 5:57 PM

Madrid, May 24 (UNI) FIFA president Gianni Infantino has claimed "there are discussions" over Cristiano Ronaldo playing at the Club World Cup this summer.

see more..

Salah wins Premier League player of season award

24 May 2025 | 5:49 PM

London, May 24 (UNI) Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has been named Premier League player of the season.

see more..

Malaysia all set to host FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025

24 May 2025 | 5:43 PM

Kuala Lumpur, May 24 (UNI) The excitement is building in Malaysia as the nation prepares to host the upcoming FIH Hockey Men’s Nations Cup 2025, a tournament that will bring together top-tier international teams in pursuit of glory and a coveted opportunity to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League, here from June 15-21.

see more..

China sweeps women's singles at TT worlds

24 May 2025 | 5:37 PM

Doha, May 24 (UNI) Sun Yingsha disposed of Japan's Mima Ito in straight sets in the women's singles semifinals on Saturday to confirm a clean sweep of the event's medals for China at the
World Table Tennis Championships.

see more..