Haaland Fever Grips Peru as More Than 500 Children Are Named After the Norwegian Goal Machine

Norway’s historic World Cup journey and Erling Haaland’s growing popularity have created a new naming trend among families in Peru. More than 500 children in the South American country have been registered under names inspired by the Manchester City star.

According to Peru’s national identity and civil registration authority, 468 children have been given the first name “Haaland”. Another 91 children have been registered with the full name “Erling Haaland”. Altogether, the Norwegian striker has influenced the names of 559 children.

Ivan Torres, a spokesperson for the registration authority, said the success of globally famous footballers often inspires Peruvian parents when choosing names for their children. Reports also noted that Peruvian law generally does not prevent parents from using such names.

Interest in Haaland increased rapidly alongside Norway’s progress in the World Cup. After qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1998, the team reached the quarterfinals. Haaland’s performances and celebrations by Norwegian supporters attracted widespread attention on social media around the world.

Naming children after football stars is not new in Peru. According to civil registration data, 3,042 people in the country are named “Messi”, 1,185 are named “Cristiano Ronaldo”, and 1,241 are named “Lamine Yamal”.

Neymar remains the most influential football name in the country, with 33,809 people carrying a name inspired by the Brazilian star.

Haaland currently plays for English club Manchester City. His pace, physical strength, positioning and finishing ability have made him one of the most recognisable footballers in the world.

Although Peru did not qualify for this World Cup, enthusiasm for football remains strong across the country. The growing number of children named after Haaland shows how the popularity of a footballer can extend beyond clubs and national teams and influence culture and family decisions on another continent.