Lego Unveils Star-Studded Football Figures

Lego designer Luka Grkovic spearheaded the creation of highly collectible football star figures, a project culminating with the 2026 World Cup in mind. The product line showcases four global sensations: Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe. This extensive development spanned two years, involving direct input and final approval from the athletes themselves on elements such as their minifigure likenesses and preferred boot colors.

Grkovic, who initially worked on more conventional Lego themes, transitioned to the Editions team to focus on this ambitious venture. He described the process of conceptualizing and building initial models using Lego bricks before refining them digitally. The resulting collection features detailed minifigures with unique plaques displaying player stats and signatures, alongside larger, more realistic and costly replicas. These sets, designed for ages 10 and up, underwent rigorous testing to ensure quality and a positive building experience.

The larger Messi celebration set, a standout piece, comprises 1,427 pieces. Prices for the collection vary, with minifigure designs starting at $29.99 and extending to $199 for the elaborate Messi set. During the design phase, feedback was gathered from children worldwide to ensure accessibility, avoiding overly complex building techniques. Grkovic personally oversaw the designs for Ronaldo and Mbappe, aiming for authenticity and player satisfaction.

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his delight with the collaboration, noting the competitive yet fun atmosphere during the associated commercial shoot. He highlighted how special it was to be immortalized as a Lego minifigure for his children. The figures include subtle 'easter eggs,' such as a goat imagery referencing the 'greatest of all time' moniker for both Ronaldo and Messi, underscoring the attention to detail and player-specific nuances incorporated into the designs.