Au Pérou, plus de 550 bébés portent le nom de Herling Haaland

In Peru, more than 550 newborns have been registered with names inspired by Erling Haaland, the Norwegian footballer who stunned fans during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The surge in babies named after the striker has continued into the early months of 2023, even though the Peruvian national team did not participate in the tournament. According to the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec), at least 559 infants were given names linked to Haaland, with 468 simply called “Haaland” and another 91 receiving the full name “Erling Haaland.” The number is expected to rise further as birth registrations continue. The trend gained momentum during the World Cup, particularly following Haaland’s double against Brazil in the quarterfinals, which helped Norway reach its first-ever World Cup semifinals. This performance sparked widespread admiration among Peruvian fans, many of whom saw the young striker as a symbol of hope and success. The phenomenon reflects a broader cultural fascination with football legends, a pattern well established in Peru. For instance, over 3,402 people in the country already bear the name Lionel Messi, while nearly 1,185 are named Cristiano Ronaldo and 1,241 are known as Ansu Fati. However, Neymar still holds the record, with almost 34,000 Peruvians choosing his name. Reniec officials noted that the influence of football stars on baby names is not new in Peru. It has long been common for parents to choose names based on admired athletes, often reflecting personal connections or shared national pride. The popularity of such names underscores how deeply football is embedded in Peruvian society, serving as both entertainment and a source of identity. Haaland’s rise to fame, especially in South America, likely played a role in amplifying this trend beyond traditional favorites like Messi or Neymar. The registration data reveals a growing interest in modern football icons, suggesting a shift in public preference toward younger players. While Messi and Ronaldo remain household names, their influence appears to be waning slightly compared to emerging talents like Haaland. This could indicate a generational change in how Peruvians view football heroes, possibly influenced by social media and global exposure to international leagues. The trend also highlights the power of sports figures to shape cultural norms and personal choices, extending far beyond the pitch. Parents who chose Haaland as a name for their children may have done so in hopes of drawing inspiration from the player’s achievements or as a tribute to his impact on the sport. Some might see it as a way to connect with a global movement or to celebrate the underdog story of a relatively unknown player achieving extraordinary success. The choice also speaks to the emotional resonance of football, where victories and milestones can become part of collective memory and personal legacy. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to monitor whether the trend continues or if other players begin to follow suit. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there may be renewed interest in names associated with current stars. Meanwhile, the ongoing wave of Haaland-inspired names serves as a testament to the enduring influence of football in shaping everyday life, even in ways as seemingly small as the names we give our children.