Merlin the duck, the beloved mascot of Mexican football club Club Necaxa, remained unruffled after meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday. The unusual encounter, which took place during a ceremony honoring the club's recent championship win, quickly went viral on social media.
A Calm Visitor in the Palace
According to video footage shared by the presidency, Merlin, a white duck, sat calmly on a table as Sheinbaum addressed the team. The duck, dressed in a miniature Necaxa jersey, showed no signs of distress despite the formal setting. Sheinbaum even paused to pet the duck, who responded with a soft quack.
Club Necaxa, based in Aguascalientes, had been invited to the palace to celebrate their victory in the Liga MX Clausura tournament. The team presented the president with a signed jersey and a replica of their trophy. Merlin, who has become a social media sensation with over 200,000 followers on Instagram, was the star of the event.
Social Media Reactions
Fans were quick to react online, with many praising the duck's composure. One Twitter user wrote, "Merlin is more diplomatic than most politicians." Another commented, "This is the best thing to come out of Mexican politics in years." The video has amassed over 5 million views across various platforms.
According to a spokesperson for the presidency, "President Sheinbaum was delighted to meet Merlin. The duck's calm demeanor was a highlight of the ceremony." The moment was seen as a lighthearted break from the usual political discourse.
Merlin's Rise to Fame
Merlin first gained attention during Necaxa's playoff matches, where he would waddle along the sidelines. The duck's presence was credited with bringing good luck, as the team went on to win the championship. His owner, a local farmer, said Merlin enjoys the attention but remains a humble duck at heart.
The meeting with the president has cemented Merlin's status as a national icon. Some fans are now calling for Merlin to be named the official mascot of Mexican football. Whether or not that happens, Merlin has certainly left his mark on the country's political and sporting landscape.
