Merlin the duck meets Mexico's president after World Cup viral fame

Merlin, the two-year-old duck who captured the world’s attention during Mexico’s World Cup campaign, waddled onto the stage at President Claudia Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference in Mexico City on Monday, taking a seat ordinarily reserved for ministers and senior officials. Unfazed by the occasion, he punctuated the proceedings with a few characteristic quacks.

The duck’s rise to fame began on June 11, when he was spotted among celebrating crowds on Reforma avenue following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa in the tournament’s opening match. Dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt, Merlin quickly became one of the breakout stars of the co-hosted World Cup.

“We feel very honored to be here with the president, it is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico,” said Karla Gomez, Merlin’s owner, addressing Sheinbaum at the conference.

Sheinbaum framed the visit in broader terms, describing Merlin as a symbol of Mexican identity. “Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet, because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families, and that is above all else; it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today,” she said.

Gomez revealed plans to register Merlin as a trademark, with the hope that his celebrity can provide financial support for her family — in particular her eldest son, who lives with mental illness. President Sheinbaum pledged assistance to the family, though specific details of the support were not disclosed.

According to Gomez, Merlin serves as the “boss” of her streetside beverage vending business. The duck maintains a balanced diet but is permitted a carnitas pork taco on Sundays. Originally gifted to the family by a customer, he regularly wears shoes to protect his webbed feet — a practical measure given his enthusiasm for walking.