Merlin the football jersey-wearing duck becomes Mexico’s unofficial World Cup mascot

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleMerlin, a two-year-old duck, became an unexpected internet sensation and the unofficial mascot of the World Cup following Mexico's opening victory against South Africa. 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 across social media platforms, garnering millions of views and captivating users who declared him a 'national treasure'. Merlin was already a local celebrity in Mexico City, regularly accompanying his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks, and her son Cristian at various historic landmarks. Gómez expressed surprise at Merlin's sudden global fame, stating that the duck is considered family and hoping he continues to bring luck to the host nation. In full‘He’s now an idol’: How Merlin the duck became Mexico’s viral World Cup ‘mascot’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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