World Cup Qatar Mascot was made in Vila Nova de Gaia

The official mascot of the Football World Cup in Qatar, called "La'eeb", was made in Portugal, more precisely in Vila Nova de Gaia

The flying figure was present at the opening show that took place on Sunday, the 20th, at the Al Bayt stadium.

According to information advanced by NiT, this inflatable was in charge of "Air Designers, a company created in 1998, specialising in objects of this kind". "In 2017, they left behind the name Balloon Engineers and, to go international, adopted the new name."

"La'eeb", clearly inspired by Arab robes and garments, "adopted the name which, translated literally, means 'gifted player'". "He belongs to a parallel universe of mascots that is indescribable," says FIFA. This mascot is known "for his youthful spirit, which spreads joy and confidence wherever he goes."

The media outlet says it has contacted "the company to find out more about this great new project that shone in Qatar, but those responsible refused to talk, justifying it by the contractual secrecy to which they are bound by FIFA, the event organiser."

Although this inflatable for the World Cup was a huge highlight for Air Designers, this is not the only international project. An example of this is the collaboration in the exhibition "Valquíria", by Joana Vasconcelos, shown in Macau.

Besides this type of work, associated with the arts, the company also makes inflatables for other areas, including medical emergency tents, tunnels and sky flags.