Every football fan has seen the moment before kick-off when players walk onto the pitch holding hands with young children. These children are known as player escorts or player mascots, and they have become an important part of modern football.
The tradition allows children to meet their football heroes, promotes fair play, and creates a connection between professional football and young fans.
Who are football player escorts?
Player escorts are children who walk from the tunnel onto the pitch alongside football players before a match begins.
At FIFA tournaments, they are usually between six and 10 years old. They stand with the players during national anthems before leaving the pitch shortly before kick-off.
How did the tradition begin?
Although many fans believe player escorts have always been part of football, the tradition started less than 50 years ago.
The idea began in Brazil in 1976 when Ronan Ramos Oliveira, the public relations director of Atlético Mineiro, suggested that children should accompany players onto the pitch before a match.
The idea was introduced before an Atlético Mineiro game against América Mineiro on September 5, 1976. The goal was to attract more families to football matches and help children feel closer to their favourite players.
The idea became popular in Brazil before spreading to clubs around the world.
Player escorts later became common at major tournaments. UEFA Euro 2000 was among the first major competitions to feature children walking onto the pitch with every player.
In 2002, FIFA officially introduced its Player Escort Programme at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan. Since then, the tradition has featured at every FIFA World Cup.
Why do players walk with children?
The tradition serves several purposes:
• It encourages children to develop an interest in football.
• It promotes values such as respect, friendship and fair play.
• It gives young fans a memorable experience.
• It connects professional football with grassroots football.
Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves described the experience as something children would remember for the rest of their lives.
“Not many players are lucky enough to go to a European Championship so for these youngsters to come over and take part is something that will stay with them forever.”
How are player escorts selected?
FIFA World Cup
At FIFA World Cups, children are usually selected through official player escort programmes linked to FIFA partners.
Selection methods may include:
• Football development programmes
• School activities
• Community football projects
• Essay or creative competitions
• Online campaigns
• Random selection from eligible applicants
Children must meet age requirements and receive parental approval before participating.
UEFA competitions
For UEFA tournaments, player escorts are selected through grassroots football programmes, community projects and promotional campaigns.
During UEFA Euro 2012, children from 34 countries were selected through football participation programmes, essay contests and video competitions.
Club football
Football clubs use different methods to choose player escorts. Many select children from:
• Youth academies
• Junior supporters’ clubs
• Community football programmes
• Charity organisations
• Sponsor competitions
Some clubs also offer mascot packages where fans can pay to have a child walk onto the pitch with players. The money often supports community programmes.
The player escort tradition has grown from a simple idea in Brazil into a global football tradition that gives children a special connection with the sport and its biggest stars.
