MEXICO CITY — While human players scored the goals on the pitch, a two-year-old duck named Merlin has captured the spotlight as the breakout star and unofficial mascot of the FIFA World Cup.
Dressed in a custom green Mexico national soccer team jersey and matching socks, Merlin became an overnight internet sensation following Mexico’s opening match victory over South Africa.
Videos of the feathered fan parading through the historic center of Mexico City alongside thousands of celebrating supporters quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across social media platforms.
Before achieving global internet fame, Merlin was already a beloved local celebrity in the capital. The duck routinely accompanies his caretaker, Carla Gómez, and her young son Cristian as they sell bottled water and soft drinks from a small cart around landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts. Gómez described Merlin as “the baby” and the family’s inseparable companion.
The duck’s soaring popularity caught the attention of tournament organizers. On Monday, Merlin and Gómez met with FIFA representatives to participate in an official photoshoot and film a commercial, cementing the duck’s status as the host nation’s most famous—and fashionable—supporter.
Source: SFG
