MEXICO CITY — While Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the goals, it was a duck that captured the spotlight during Mexico's World Cup-opening victory over South Africa on Thursday. Merlin, a 2-year-old duck dressed in the national team's colors, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament's first unofficial mascot.
Viral Fame Overnight
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, as if by magic, Merlin captivated the internet.
One user wrote, "We want to see Merlin in the stadium." Another declared, "This duck is already a national treasure." A third said, "The best thing about the World Cup so far."
Local Celebrity
In Mexico City, Merlin was already 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. Passersby often react with delighted squeals, affectionate greetings, and requests for photos.
"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 landmarks like Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Zócalo square. The duck shares a close bond with Cristian, for whom he was originally a gift, becoming an inseparable companion.
"Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water," Gómez said, recalling her surprise at his sudden rise to fame. "He is always with us; we never imagined he'd become such a sensation. We weren't expecting it."
The family now hopes Mexico's feathered supporter can bring luck to the host nation, staging the World Cup for the third time after 1970 and 1986, alongside Canada and the United States.
"Mexico, we are with you," Gómez said. "And Merlin is your No. 1 fan."
