Thinking of animals at the football World Cup is more often a casual shortcut to anthropomorphic mascots than to natural animals living around us. The football party may be hosted by prestigious FIFA but remember what Shakira said in the 2014 World Cup song, ‘Feel how the planet’s become one’. No kidding.While we have had a plethora of colorful, well-designed, animated animal mascots gracing the FIFA World Cup history, we have also had real animals stealing the spotlight left and right, becoming unforgettable stars and fan favourites. Without further ado, let’s kick off the list with the Mexican viral sensation right now — Merlín.Merlín the duckWearing stylish shoes, the verdant jersey of his home country, and a tidy look on his face, Pato Merlín, 2 years old and a member of the Gomez family, waddled through the streets of Mexico City being the centre of attention.
Merlín follows his caretaker Christian Gomez as they cross the street in Mexico City.
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Only a couple of days ago, on June 11, had he become an overnight internet sensation as he joined the celebrations of Mexico’s win in the opening match against South Africa. The fame was chasing him and football-loving humans called him the unofficial Mexican mascot. Since then Merlín has met the Mexican president, attended a press conference, did multiple photoshoots, and even became the official Mexican ambassador for the World Cup.
