A Tiny Team Mexico Jersey Turned One Duck into an International Symbol of Joy
The FIFA World Cup is known for unforgettable goals, passionate supporters, and legendary players. Yet this year, one of the tournament’s biggest stars doesn’t wear soccer cleats. Instead, he has feathers, a cheerful waddle, and a perfectly fitted Team Mexico jersey.
Meet Merlin, a two-year-old duck from Mexico City who has become one of the most beloved personalities of the World Cup. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest sports heroes aren’t athletes at all—they’re the ones who bring smiles to millions of people.
Merlin first captured the world’s attention after Mexico’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11. As fans flooded Reforma Avenue to celebrate, Merlin confidently waddled through the crowds wearing his Team Mexico jersey and tiny socks. The charming scene quickly spread across social media, where fans couldn’t get enough of the spirited little duck.
Soon, the internet embraced Merlin with memes and joyful messages, many featuring the phrase “Viva El Pato,” meaning “Long Live The Duck!” Before long, Merlin had become such a beloved symbol that many fans felt he had stolen the spotlight from FIFA’s official Mexico mascot.
His popularity even crossed international borders. Businesses began celebrating the famous duck, with one Canadian store displaying rows of ducks dressed in jerseys inspired by Merlin’s unforgettable look. It was proof that happiness—and a little creativity—can travel around the world faster than ever.
Behind every internet sensation is a real family, and Merlin’s story is no exception.
His owner, Gomez, is a street beverage vendor in Mexico City. She explained that the day Merlin became famous felt completely ordinary.
“We thought we were passing by unnoticed, because obviously we never thought Merlin would have that boom.”
Merlin had been given to the family as a gift by a customer two years earlier. They chose his magical name for a heartfelt reason.
“Since Merlin came into our lives, there have been many awesome changes in our world.”
Today, Merlin does much more than entertain visitors. According to his family, he happily “inspects” their business and has earned the unofficial title of boss. His daily menu includes fruits, vegetables, crickets, and fish—and every once in a while, he gets to celebrate with a taco.
The family’s love for Merlin is simple and genuine.
“He’s part of the family.”
As Merlin’s fame continued to grow, Mexico City officially named him an ambassador for the host city. He appeared on television and even attended a morning press conference alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum, where his remarkable story became a symbol of national pride.
During the event, Sheinbaum explained why Merlin had captured the hearts of so many people.
“Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet, because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families, and that is above all else; it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today.”
Merlin’s journey shows that sports are about much more than competition. They create moments that unite communities, celebrate culture, and remind us to enjoy life’s surprises. One cheerful duck wearing a tiny jersey has become a global reminder that joy often arrives in the most unlikely forms.
Whether you’re cheering for Mexico or another team, it’s hard not to smile when Merlin appears on your screen. In a tournament filled with unforgettable moments, this little duck has earned a place among the most memorable stories of them all.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/HgMHNLjUb0Q?si=1yfcMVtB13xLdHNB
- https://www.today.com/popculture/news/merlin-the-duck-team-mexico-world-cup-rcna351648
- https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-duck-mexico-mascot-merlin-4fbe0000dbf7c7b793e4ef664205b373
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://toolkit.artlist.io/
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