Haaland Effect: Hundreds of Peruvian parents name newborns after Norway striker

Norway striker Erling Haaland’s outstanding performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have inspired many parents in Peru to name their newborn children after him.

According to Peru’s National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC), 468 children have been registered with the name Haaland, while 91 others were given the full name Erling Haaland.

The increase in registrations comes as Norway continues its impressive World Cup campaign. The team has reached the quarter-finals and will face England on Saturday.

Haaland has been one of the tournament’s biggest stars, scoring seven goals in four matches. He also scored both goals in Norway’s famous victory over Brazil, helping the country reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in its history.

RENIEC spokesman Iván Torres said football stars often influence the names parents choose for their children.

“Different football stars inspire Peruvians when registering their children,” Torres said during an interview with Panamericana Television.

He explained that the number of children named after Haaland increased significantly after the World Cup started and continued to rise as Norway advanced in the competition.

Torres jokingly added, “Haaland is also Peruvian.”

Football-inspired names are already popular in Peru. Official records show that 3,402 people are named Messi, including 292 who carry the full name Lionel Messi.

Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired 1,185 namesakes, while 1,241 Peruvians have been named Yamal after Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal.

However, Brazilian star Neymar remains the most popular football-inspired name in the country, with 33,809 Peruvians carrying his name.