Overview
- Merlin, a two-year-old domesticated duck, shot to international attention after Mexico’s opening World Cup match on June 11 when video of him wearing a miniature green jersey went viral.
- The duck belongs to street vendor Karla Ivette Gómez and is cared for by her son Cristian as part of their Mexico City drinks cart routine.
- FIFA and the Mexico national team publicly acknowledged Merlin, sharing images that helped cement his status as an unofficial national mascot and led fans to adopt jersey number 12 for him.
- Brands and users quickly repurposed Merlin’s image and the family says it has declined cash offers to sell the duck, prompting public calls for the family to secure image‑rights or legal counsel.
- Reporters, vendors and tourists continue to seek Merlin at fan zones and landmarks, and the episode highlights how viral moments can create economic pressure, privacy concerns and requests for IP protection for low‑income owners.