Published 9 hours ago • loading... • Updated 4 hours ago

Football 'Ambassador' and Fan Favorite: a Duck Becomes a Star in Mexico

Merlin, a 2-year-old domesticated duck, became Mexico's viral unofficial World Cup mascot after parading through Mexico City wearing a team jersey during celebrations.
The duck's fame ignited last week on Reforma Avenue following Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, surprising owner Karla Gomez, who sells beverages with her son Christian.
Channeling the spirit of Paul the Octopus, Merlin recently predicted a Mexico victory over South Korea by selecting flags, with Gomez saying, "We never imagined he'd become such a sensation."
On Monday, Gomez and Merlin met FIFA representatives to film a commercial ahead of Mexico's match against South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday, June 18.
Mexico is staging the World Cup for the third time after hosting in 1970 and 1986, with the family hoping Merlin brings luck before facing the Czech Republic on June 24.

Insights by Ground AI

53 Articles

Indian Express

Lean Left

Merlin and Dawny: Meet the ducks supporting Mexico and Scotland this World Cup

Merlin, a two year-old duck, has been seen supporting Mexico while Dawn the Duck is supporting Scotland this World Cup

4 hours ago·India

Read Full Article

Sueddeutsche Zeitung

Lean Left

Duck in Mexico Jersey: "Merlín Is Mexican Through and Through"

The whole world talks about Merlín, the enteric in the Mexico jersey. His owner Karla Yvette Gómez López explains how Merlín became a football fan, how keen he likes his tacos – and why he doesn't mind all the stress.

11 hours ago·Munich, Germany

Read Full Article

Protothema

Right

Merlin, the Viral Duck with the Green Jersey Who Became the Mexican National Football Team's Spokesperson for the World Cup, Watch Video

The duck gained a lot of publicity after it appeared on the streets of Mexico City wearing a national team jersey along with its owner.

15 hours ago

Read Full Article

CNN

Lean Left

Merlin The Duck is Mexico’s unnoficial mascot

A pet duck named Merlin has waddled his way into the hearts of soccer fans, becoming an unlikely unofficial mascot for the country at this year’s World ‌Cup. CNN’s Valeria Leon speaks with his owners.

16 hours ago·Atlanta, United States

Read Full Article

France24

Reposted by

The Express Tribune

Center

Football 'ambassador' and fan favorite: a duck becomes a star in Mexico

17 hours ago·France

Read Full Article

New York Post

Lean Right

Meet Merlin, the viral Mexican duck taking the World Cup by storm

A domesticated duck named Merlin, sporting a miniature Mexico shirt and custom duck socks, has waddled his way into the hearts of football fans, becoming an unlikely unofficial mascot for the country's World ‌Cup campaign.

19 hours ago·New York, United States

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year