News Focus
- Merlin, a two-year-old duck, has become a viral star during the World Cup.
- The bird wears a full Mexico national team kit, including socks, while walking through Mexico City.
- Owner Carla Gómez takes Merlin to work each weekend as she sells drinks from a cart.
- Fans on social media have called the duck a “national treasure” and the tournament’s best mascot.
- Merlin accompanies Gómez and her son to famous city landmarks like the Zócalo square.
Mexico’s World Cup campaign has found an unusual hero. A duck named Merlin has captured hearts across the internet after photos showed him wearing the national team’s green jersey and socks.
The two-year-old bird became famous overnight. Images spread online showing Merlin walking through Mexico City with his owner, Carla Gómez. Thousands of fans were celebrating nearby after Mexico’s opening victory against South Africa.
Gómez sells water and soft drinks from a cart in the city centre at weekends. She brings Merlin with her rather than leaving him at home. “He is our baby,” she explained. The duck goes everywhere with her and her young son, Cristian. They regularly visit famous spots including Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zócalo square.
Merlin was originally a gift for Cristian. The pair are now inseparable companions. Before the tournament, the duck was already a local celebrity. He often joined Gómez at fairs and events in the historic centre, attracting requests for photos.
Social media users have shared pictures of Merlin millions of times. One supporter wrote that the duck is a “national treasure”. Another called him the best thing about the World Cup so far. Many fans now want to see Merlin inside the stadium cheering for the team.
Mexico is hosting the tournament for the third time, sharing the duty with Canada and the United States. Gómez hopes her feathered friend brings good luck to the squad. “He is our number one fan,” she said. “We never expected him to become this famous.”