In Latin America, a surge of newborns are being named after World Cup soccer stars, with Norway's Erling Haaland becoming a popular choice in Peru.

According to Ivan Torres, a spokesperson for Peru's civil registry, hundreds of babies have been named Haaland, while names inspired by icons like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo each have around 30,000 registrations.

The trend extends beyond Peru, with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Emiliano Martinez inspiring baby names in Salta, and Mexico's Quiñona Ysisidra Morita Haaland Guevara reflecting the country's soccer legacy.

This phenomenon, linked to the 2026 World Cup, shows how sports icons influence cultural trends, even as teams like Argentina face criticism for their Eurocentric image.

Experts note this practice has historical roots, dating back to Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup run, and caution against the potential pressures of bearing such iconic names.The trend highlights the deep connection between sports and identity in the region.