UEFA is pushing the boundaries for UEFA EURO 2020, with the finals taking place in 12 host cities across the continent. Now, with the release of the official Your Move teaser trailer, European football's governing body is signalling its intention to reinvent the traditional tournament mascot, with a nod to freestyle and street football culture.
While fans of the time-honoured, life-sized mascot will not be disappointed, the teaser video shows a sequence of awe-inspiring skills and tricks executed by a squad of freestyle, street and panna players. It points to a spectacular launch event scheduled for when the European Qualifiers kick off later this month. All will be revealed at an epic live event under the lights at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, Amsterdam, in the build-up to Netherlands v Germany on Sunday 24 March.
Mascots have become an integral part of the European Championship since Pinocchio made his debut at the 1980 finals in Italy. For UEFA EURO 2020, UEFA is planning something unique and interactive, to reflect younger fans' passion for freestyling, street football and panna as well as the 11-a-side game.
The decision to launch the mascot campaign at the Johan Cruijff ArenA was taken in honour of one of the most skilful players to illuminate the game, and UEFA EURO 2020 promises to bring football and freestyle cultures together in celebration.