Peruvian babies named Haaland amid football fervor

Football fever has swept through Peru, with over 560 babies named Haaland following the Norwegian striker's impressive performance in the 2026 World Cup. The national civil registry, Reniec, revealed that 468 people now bear Haaland as part of their names, and 91 are officially registered as Erling Haaland. Four individuals even have the full name Erling Braut Haaland, incorporating the surname the player used during the tournament.

While Peru's national team did not qualify for the World Cup, the country's football fans clearly followed the action closely. Haaland's success in reaching the quarterfinals with Norway has clearly resonated with parents across the Andean nation. This naming trend highlights the significant cultural impact of international sports figures on families in Peru.

Haaland is not the only football star inspiring Peruvian parents. Reniec data also shows a considerable number of children named after other prominent players. There are 1,502 people named Griezmann, 1,241 named Yamal, 319 named Salah, 238 named Mbappé, and 175 named Pedri. Other footballers like Neuer, Bellingham, and Lewandowski also feature on the list, albeit with fewer namesakes.

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More than 500 Peruvians are named Haaland in honor of the Norwegian national team and Manchester City striker, according to the National Registry of Civil Identification (Reniec) of Peru.