Ex-Mexican President Calderón asks FIFA for royalties for World Cup duck Merlín

Former Mexican President Felipe Calderón has called on FIFA to provide financial support or royalties to the family of Merlín, the duck that became a viral sensation during the 2026 World Cup. Merlín was recently named an official ambassador for Mexico City's role as a host city for the tournament.

"Yes, very good. It arrived 'like a gift,' but we shouldn't leave it at that: they should give it royalties or good financial support," Calderón wrote on X, responding to a post by FIFA World Cup 26 Mexico City introducing Merlín as an ambassador. The former president contended that FIFA, international media, and other entities are benefiting from Merlín's image, and this popularity should translate into tangible support for the duck's owner.

"It cannot be that its owner, this kid who has raised it, is left after the World Cup with no other option than to help his mother sell water on the street. Chip in!" Calderón urged. His post garnered over 138,000 views. The official account for the host city had previously stated that Merlín "arrived as a gift and today is already part of something much bigger," representing "a story of love, effort, and very Mexican unity."

Merlín gained prominence on June 11 during the World Cup opening, when seen wearing a Mexican team jersey alongside Cristian, one of Karla Gómez's sons, as they sold drinks in the capital's streets. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum also invited Merlín and his family to a press conference, recognizing the duck as a symbol of Mexican culture during the World Cup. Gómez, a single mother, described her family as a "flock," treating Merlín as a son and brother. She expressed that it is unfair for companies to profit "from love" and plans to register the Merlín brand to pursue formal collaborations with Mexican companies.