Viral World Cup Duck 'Merlín' Appears at Presidential Press Conference

A duck named Merlín, who achieved viral fame during the 2026 World Cup, has waddled his way into the public spotlight, even appearing at a press conference with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Accompanied by the family that cares for him in Mexico City's Historic Center, Merlín donned a Mexican national team jersey and a World Cup scarf, transitioning from a stadium spectator to a recognized figure across social media, television, and now, public agenda.

While Merlín's rise to fame is recent, the cultural landscape has long been populated by memorable feathered characters. These beloved figures have left their mark on cinema, television, comics, and animation for decades, with Merlín now joining their ranks in a unique, real-world phenomenon.

Among the most iconic is Disney's Donald Duck, who celebrates 90 years since his debut in the 1934 short film "The Wise Little Hen." Created by Walt Disney and Dick Lundy, Donald's explosive temper and distinctive speech pattern set him apart, making him a central figure in the Disney universe through countless shorts, series, and comics.

Not long after Donald's arrival, Warner Bros. introduced Daffy Duck in 1937's "Looney Tunes" shorts. Daffy's character evolved significantly over time, transforming from a purely zany character into an ambitious, envious, and temperamental personality, often leading to memorable clashes with Bugs Bunny.

Beyond classic animation, the Pokémon franchise features Psyduck, known for its constant headaches, clumsiness, and psychic abilities. Its popularity was further boosted by the film "Detective Pikachu," solidifying its place among the franchise's most cherished creatures. Marvel Comics also contributed to the roster of famous ducks with Howard the Duck, created in 1973 as a social satire, who developed his own dedicated fanbase and even had a film adaptation.