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'Ambassador' duck goes viral in Mexico ahead of World Cup
🇵🇦 Panama /Elections & Politics

'Ambassador' duck goes viral in Mexico ahead of World Cup

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A duck named Merlín, dressed in Mexico's national soccer jersey, has become a viral sensation.
  • FIFA named Merlín an "ambassador" in Mexico, and the national team honored him with an illustration.
  • The duck, accompanied by his owner, a street vendor, is a popular figure at fan events and on Mexican television.

A two-year-old duck named Merlín has captured the hearts of Mexico, becoming an unlikely mascot for the national soccer team during the World Cup. Dressed in the team's jersey, Merlín has gone viral after being filmed by fans alongside his owner, a street vendor, in Mexico City.

We never thought it would go this viral.

— Karla Ivette GómezMerlín's owner expressed surprise at the duck's sudden internet fame.

Merlín's popularity has reached official status, with FIFA naming him an "ambassador" in Mexico. The national team even paid homage to the feathered celebrity with an illustration depicting him flying over the Guadalajara stadium, wearing the symbolic number 12 jersey, traditionally associated with the fans. His likeness is now appearing on local products, with some bakeries selling Merlín-inspired bread.

cua, cua, cua

— MerlínThe duck's typical response when interviewed on television programs about the World Cup.

Karla Ivette Gómez, Merlín's owner, expressed surprise at the duck's sudden fame. "We never thought it would go this viral," she told AFP, recounting how a young woman's video of Merlín walking alongside her beverage cart propelled them to internet stardom. Merlín, despite his limited vocabulary of "quack, quack, quack," has become a regular on Mexican television programs discussing the World Cup.

It's the duck!

— Man at Bellas ArtesA passerby recognized Merlín immediately, highlighting his widespread recognition.

Merlín is more than just a mascot; he is considered "part of the family" by the Gómez household. Cristian Gómez, 14, helps care for the duck, ensuring he has water, a change of clothes, and a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, crickets, and fish. Even Karla admits Merlín occasionally enjoys a "carnitas taco." The duck's veterinarian noted he is "a bit overweight," a testament to his pampered life. Merlín's next appearance is scheduled for the Fan Fest, where he is expected to greet thousands of fans.

It's part of the family.

— Cristian GómezMerlín's caretaker emphasized the duck's integral role in their household.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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