The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Erling Haaland’s sensational form has sparked an extraordinary phenomenon in Peru, where hundreds of parents have chosen to name their newborn children after the Norwegian superstar.
According to Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), 468 newborn babies have been registered with the surname “Haaland,” while 91 others have been given the full name “Erling Haaland.”
Reniec spokesperson Ivan Torres said that football stars continue to serve as a major source of inspiration for many Peruvian families.
“Haaland is also Peruvian now. The biggest football stars inspire Peruvians to give their children famous and unique names,” Torres said.
He added that most of these registrations have taken place since the start of the World Cup, particularly after Norway secured its historic qualification for the quarter-finals.
The 25-year-old Manchester City striker, nicknamed “The Android,” has been one of the standout performers of the tournament. He scored twice in Norway’s victory over Brazil, helping his country reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in its history.
This is not a new phenomenon in Peru. According to official figures, 3,402 people are named “Messi,” including 292 registered as “Lionel Messi.” Meanwhile, 1,185 people are named “Cristiano Ronaldo,” 1,241 are named “Yamal,” 238 are named “Mbappé,” and an astonishing 33,809 people bear the name “Neymar.”
“We cannot stop people from using these names,” Torres added.
If Norway continues its impressive World Cup journey, “Haalandmania” is expected to grow even further. Haaland has currently scored seven goals in the tournament—just one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, who lead the scoring charts with eight goals each.
