Meet Merlin: The duck in a Mexico jersey who stole the World Cup

Mexico City: A 2-year-old duck named Merlin has become Mexico’s unofficial World Cup mascot, upstaging FIFA’s Zayu the Jaguar with his viral waddle through Mexico City in a custom team jersey and tiny socks.

Owned by street vendor Karla Gomez, Merlin went viral after Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa on June 11. Videos of him on Reforma Avenue sparked the “Viva El Pato” meme, and he’s since been named a Mexico City ambassador and met President Claudia Sheinbaum.

“He’s part of the family,” said Gomez’s son Cristian. Fed on fruit, crickets and the occasional taco, Merlin now inspects the family beverage stand when he’s not charming fans ahead of Mexico’s June 24 match.