Back to Headlines
Entertainment
Jun 16, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Duck dressed in Mexico's World Cup jersey becomes internet sensation

AI Summary
A duck named Merlin, dressed in Mexico's national soccer team jersey, has become an internet sensation after Mexico's World Cup-opening victory. The duck, owned by Carla Gómez, has been a local celebrity in Mexico City, often accompanying Gómez and her son to popular landmarks.

The Unlikely Star of Mexico's World Cup

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show. As Mexico celebrated its World Cup-opening victory over South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colors, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot.

Merlin's Rise to Fame

Images of Merlin parading through Mexico City, wearing a Mexican national team jersey – and socks – as thousands of fans celebrated, quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across social media. Overnight, and as if by the magic of the famous wizard who inspired his name, Merlin had captivated the internet.

The Data Behind the Duck's Popularity

  • Merlin has been a local celebrity in Mexico City, often accompanying his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a little cart each weekend.
  • The duck shares a particularly close bond with Gómez's young son Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift.

The Impact on Mexico's World Cup Spirit

“We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” one user wrote. “This duck is already a national treasure,” said another. “The best thing about the World Cup so far,” declared a third. The family hopes Mexico’s famous feathered supporter can continue bringing luck to the host nation.

The Future of Merlin's Fame

“Mexico, we are with you,” Gómez said. “And Merlin is your No 1 fan.” As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen if Merlin will become an official mascot or simply continue to charm fans with his adorable antics.