Mexico’s World Cup-opening victory over South Africa saw goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, but it was an unexpected feathered friend who truly stole the show.
Merlin, a two-year-old duck, swiftly became an internet sensation and the tournament’s inaugural unofficial mascot.
Dressed in the national team’s colours, complete with a miniature jersey and socks, Merlin paraded through Mexico City amidst thousands of jubilant fans.
Images of the sartorially splendid duck quickly went viral, racking up millions of views across social media platforms. Overnight, and seemingly by the magic of the famous wizard who inspired his name, Merlin captivated the internet.
“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.
In Mexico City, however, Merlin was already something of a local celebrity.
A familiar sight at fairs and events in the historic city center, the duck regularly accompanies his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a little cart each weekend. Along the way, the animal attracts plenty of delighted squeals, affectionate greetings and eager requests from passersby for a photo together.
“We don’t like to leave him alone at home; we like him to be with us. He’s our baby,” Gómez said. “He’s the baby, the sole heir to all my possessions and now an idol.”
Rain or shine, Merlin follows Gómez and her young son Cristian through some of the capital’s best-known landmarks, including Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zócalo square. The duck shares a particularly close bond with Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift, becoming what Gómez describes as the boy’s inseparable companion.
“Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water,” Gómez said, recalling her surprise at her pet’s sudden rise to fame.
“He is always with us; we never imagined he’d become such a sensation,” she added. “We weren’t expecting it.”
Now, the family hopes Mexico’s famous feathered supporter can continue bringing luck to the host nation, which is staging the World Cup for the third time after hosting the tournament in 1970 and 1986 — this time a co-host alongside Canada and the United States.
“Mexico, we are with you,” Gómez said. “And Merlin is your No. 1 fan.”
