Erling Haaland’s performance at the 2026 World Cup has reached far beyond the football pitch. In Peru, hundreds of parents are naming their newborn children after the Norwegian striker.
The Manchester City forward has become a sensation in the South American nation.
The trend follows Norway's historic run in the tournament. Haaland led his team to their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Although the journey ended with an elimination by England, the striker’s impact remains visible in the country's national registry.
The Numbers Behind the Name
Peru’s national identity registry recently revealed the scale of the phenomenon. According to Peru 21 publication, 468 Peruvian babies now carry Haaland as their surname. Another 91 infants have been registered with the full name Erling Haaland.
“Different football stars serve as inspiration for Peruvians to register their children with these names,” the publication noted.
A Tradition of Football Namesakes
Naming children after football icons is a common practice in Peru and other parts of the world. Registry spokesperson Ivan Torres explained the cultural trend to Panamericana Television. He noted that global stars often serve as the primary inspiration for parents.
The registry contains thousands of names inspired by the world’s best players. Currently, 3,402 people in Peru are named Messi. Out of those, 292 bear the full name of the Argentine star, Lionel Messi.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo has 1,185 namesakes in the country. Younger stars are also making an appearance in the records. There are 1,241 children named Yamal, after Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
The Popularity of Neymar
While Haaland’s rise is rapid, he still has a long way to go to catch other legends. Brazil’s Neymar remains the most popular football-inspired name in Peru. According to the registry, 33,809 Peruvians share the name of the Brazilian forward.
However, the current excitement is firmly focused on the Norwegian "Viking." His two goals in Norway's victory against Brazil were particularly influential for local supporters.
Global Heroics
Haaland entered his debut World Cup with high expectations. His goal-scoring form for Manchester City translated perfectly to the international stage. The striker’s ability to lead a smaller footballing nation like Norway to the quarter-finals resonated with Peruvian fans.
Registry officials expect the name to remain popular for some time. As Ivan Torres stated during his interview, the striker has effectively become part of the local culture. 
Even after the team's exit from the tournament, the name Haaland continues to appear on birth certificates across Peru.
