Mexico just won its opening World Cup match, and while the human players did their part, the real star making headlines is a two-year-old duck named Merlin. Dressed head-to-toe in the national team's colors, Merlin has officially waddled his way into becoming the tournament's first (and arguably cutest) unofficial mascot. Because, apparently, that's where we are now.
Images of Merlin, sporting a tiny Mexico jersey and even tinier socks, instantly went viral. He was spotted parading through Mexico City as thousands of fans celebrated, looking exactly as thrilled as a duck in a jersey could look. Social media, naturally, declared him a national treasure. Which, if you think about it, is both impressive and slightly terrifying for Mexico's actual national treasures.
Not Just Any Duck
Turns out, Merlin isn't some overnight celebrity who just hatched yesterday. He's been a local icon in Mexico City for a while, often accompanying his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells drinks from a cart on weekends. Merlin is a familiar sight at fairs and events, where he’s regularly mobbed for selfies. Just a normal duck living his best, very public life.
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Start Your News DetoxGómez refers to Merlin as "our baby" and, perhaps more tellingly, "the sole heir to all my possessions." So, yes, the stakes are high. Merlin follows Gómez and her son Cristian to famous landmarks like Alameda Central and the Palace of Fine Arts, because apparently, ducks also enjoy historical architecture.
Merlin was originally a gift for Cristian and has been his inseparable companion ever since. Gómez admits she was pretty surprised by his sudden, global fame. "He is always with us; we never imagined he’d become such a sensation." But when you're that adorable in a tiny jersey, fame finds you.
The family is now hoping Merlin can bring some serious good luck to Mexico, which is co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and the United States. Mexico has hosted twice before, in 1970 and 1986, but those tournaments notably lacked a duck mascot. Coincidence? We think not. As Gómez proudly states, "Merlin is your No. 1 fan." And possibly, their secret weapon.
