Merlin the Duck Steals the Spotlight at President Sheinbaum's News Briefing
Carla Gómez said the duck is her family’s mascot and called the appearance a chance to show working-class Mexicans.
- On Monday, June 22, 2026, Merlin the duck, wearing a Mexico national soccer team jersey, waddled into the National Palace to join President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press briefing in Mexico City.
- Owner Carla Gomez, a street vendor who sells water and soft drinks, introduced her family as representatives of working-class Mexicans, attributing their viral fame to being a hard-working family.
- Sitting beside the lectern were Gomez's sons, Carlos, 22, and Cristian, 14, who help daily by selling goods and carrying packages. Carlos said Merlin is 'the boss of our little business.'
- The family cares for Merlin with fish, crickets, and on Sundays, a meat taco. Gomez noted that other ducks they owned, including Bruna, also became local celebrities in Mexico City.
- Reflecting on Merlin's impact, Gomez said the duck has been 'the best thing that has happened to us in this life,' capturing the hearts of World Cup fans and cementing the family's connection to their mascot.
33 Articles
33 Articles
Reforma
El Heraldo de SaltilloThe duck 'Merl n', viralized during the World Cup, arrived in the morning with his dues Carla and his children; CSP said he received them for humanism.
With his shirt from the Mexican National Team and accompanied by the family that cares for him, the duck Merlin arrived on Monday until Palacio Nacional, where he became one of the protagonists of the conference Mañanera, after President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced support for its owners in the face of the needs they face. The history of the bird, which went from appearing in football celebrations to becoming a viral phenomenon, caught the…
Finally, the presence of the Merlin duck was realized in Palacio Nacional. Attended with the shirt of the Mexican football team, it appeared very early next to the president Claudia Sheinbaum and the family that owns this pet that has gone viral on social networks. “It is a young duck,” said Karla - owner of the bird- who defined it as a very quiet bird, well fed, among other products, with charales in water and other proteins. Invited by the Pr…
The bird in the Mexico jersey has become the favourite of football fans in the Latin American country within a very short time. Now he even gets an audience with the head of state.
The duck Merlin, recognized as FIFA’s official ambassador to Mexico City, the world’s headquarters, continues to take his eyes. After taking a viral walk with the shirt of the Mexican team on the day of the inauguration of the 2026 World Cup, the famous mascot arrived in Palacio Nacional with her family to meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. During the morning conference, Carla Gómez, owner of the bird, shared with the people of Mexico …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
