Erling Haaland (foto: Getty Images)
Erling Haaland's stunning World Cup performances have sparked a naming trend in Peru, where hundreds of newborns now carry the Norwegian striker's name.
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Erling Haaland's incredible performances at the 2026 World Cup are making an impact far beyond the football pitch.
According to reports from Peru, the Norwegian striker has become one of the country's newest naming sensations, with hundreds of parents choosing his name for their newborn children.
Haaland mania reaches South America
Although Peru failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, many football fans have adopted Norway as their team thanks to Haaland's remarkable displays.
The Manchester City striker has become one of the faces of the tournament, inspiring a growing trend among Peruvian families.
Official records reportedly show that 468 children in Peru are now named Haaland, while another 91 have been given the full name Erling Haaland. Many of those babies were born during the World Cup.
Football stars inspire baby names
Haaland is far from the only football icon to influence naming trends in Peru.
Reports indicate there are:
• 3,402 people named Messi.
• Nearly 300 carrying the full name Lionel Messi.
• 1,185 people named Cristiano Ronaldo.
• 1,241 named Lamine Yamal.
• More than 33,000 named Neymar.
Haaland's extraordinary World Cup campaign has clearly strengthened his popularity across South America, where many neutral supporters have embraced Norway's historic run.
Peru's long wait continues
Peru has qualified for the World Cup on five occasions, appearing in 1930, 1970, 1978, 1982 and 2018.
The country's greatest success came during the 1970s, when it reached the quarter-finals twice.
This time, however, Peru was absent after finishing next to last in the South American qualifiers, ahead of only Chile.
Even without a team at the tournament, Peruvian football fans have found a new hero, and judging by the latest naming trend, Erling Haaland's influence is only growing.