Why Are Several Children in Peru Named Erling Haaland?
The Norway striker has captivated fans across Peru to such an extent that he now has several young "namesakes." Here’s the full story.
The influence of soccer's biggest stars often extends far beyond the field. In Peru, admiration for striker Erling Braut Haaland has sparked an unusual trend, as hundreds of families chose to name their newborns after the Norwegian forward following his performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Haaland's Popularity Reaches Civil Registries
The European goal scorer's impact was felt not only in the stands and across social media, but also in Peru's civil registry.
According to Peru's National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), 563 newborns were registered with names inspired by Haaland.
A total of 468 children were given Haaland as a first name, while 91 were registered as Erling Haaland. Four families went even further, naming their children Erling Braut Haaland.
The naming craze took off after Haaland's brace against Brazil, a performance that helped Norway secure a 2-1 victory and eliminate the five-time champions in the Round of 16.
The figures highlight the remarkable reach of the Scandinavian striker's popularity and illustrate how the excitement generated by a global sports star can influence one of the most meaningful decisions parents make: choosing a name for their child.
The Haaland Phenomenon
The 2026 FIFA World Cup produced unforgettable performances and breakout stars who captured the attention of millions of fans around the world.
Among them, Norway's talisman once again showcased his elite finishing ability and dominance in the final third, cementing his place as one of the tournament's standout performers.
Although Norway's World Cup run ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to England, Haaland left a lasting impression on fans, who closely followed every one of his appearances throughout the tournament.
