A Duck in a Mexico Jersey Just Became the World Cup’s First Viral Star

Mexico opened the World Cup with a win over South Africa. Julián Quiñones scored. Raúl Jiménez scored. And a two-year-old duck named Merlin stole absolutely everything.

Merlin showed up in Mexico City’s streets wearing a tiny Mexico jersey and socks. Thousands of fans were already going nuts celebrating the 2-0 victory. Then this duck paraded through the middle of it all. Photos hit social media and the thing just exploded. Millions of views. People calling him a national treasure. One person wrote they wanted to see Merlin inside the stadium. Another said he was the best part of the entire World Cup so far.

But here’s the thing. Merlin wasn’t some random bird someone dressed up for a photo op. He’s been a local celebrity in Mexico City for a while now.

The duck who sells bottled water

Merlin’s owner is Carla Gómez. She sells water and soft drinks from a cart on weekends in the historic city center. Merlin comes along. He’s been doing this for a while. People spot him at fairs and events near Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Zócalo. They squeal. They pet him. They ask for selfies.

Gómez says they don’t like leaving him home alone. “He’s our baby,” she told reporters. “The sole heir to all my possessions and now an idol.”

The duck was originally a gift for Gómez’s young son Cristian. Those two are inseparable now. Rain or shine, Merlin follows the family through some of the capital’s most famous spots.

“Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water,” Gómez said. She seemed genuinely surprised by the World Cup attention. “He is always with us. We never imagined he’d become such a sensation.”

Mexico is hosting the tournament for the third time, sharing duties with Canada and the United States. The family is hoping their feathered good luck charm keeps working. And honestly? After what we saw on opening day, this duck might have more pull than any lucky jersey or pregame ritual.

Merlin just walked through a city of euphoric fans in a little soccer kit and broke the internet. That’s not nothing.