Peruvians Named After Football Stars Like Messi and Endrick, Civil Registry Reveals

Thousands of Peruvians bear names inspired by international football stars, according to data released by Peru's National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec). The revelations coincide with the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, underscoring the enduring influence of global football icons.

Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, is a prominent figure in the registry, with 24,696 Peruvians named Lionel and 3,402 registered as Messi. An additional 292 individuals share the full name Lionel Messi. The data also includes eight people named Dibu, a clear reference to Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, a standout player in the 2022 World Cup.

Brazilian players also feature prominently. Endrick is the name of 3,332 Peruvians, while Ederson is shared by 3,118. French stars are also represented, with 1,502 people named Griezmann, 238 named Mbappé, and five named Dembelé. Even lesser-known players like Désiré Doué and William Saliba have Peruvian namesakes.

Reniec's findings illustrate how international football figures have captured the imagination of Peruvian families, influencing naming choices for newborns. The popularity of these players, many of whom are still active or recently celebrated, continues to resonate years after their initial fame.