More than 500 babies have been named after Norwegian footballer, Erling Haaland, following his World Cup heroics.
Haaland has been a standout player during the World Cup, he notably scored seven goals, just a few less than top players Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Due to the current fascination with the player, many people are naming their babies after Haaland, however it's not where you would think.
Recent reports have revealed that those naming their babies after Haaland are not from Norway and are from all different part of the world.
The Peruvian National Registry of Identification and Civil Status has revealed that over 468 babies born in Peru have been named Haaland with 91 given his full name.
Speaking to Panamericana Television, a registry spokesperson Ivan Torres said that "different football stars serves as inspiration for Peruvians to register their children with these names."
For the past month, Haaland has gained popularity online and become a viral internet sensation as social media users have taken to his personality on and off the pitch.
Following the World Cup quarter-final defeat against England, Haaland has returned home with an unusual souvenir. The footballer has been photographed disembarking a plane with a taxidermied raccoon.
Credit: Instagram @espnfc
Posting his souvenir online, Haaland wrote, "It followed me home," with a photo of the stuffed raccoon.
Credit: Instagram @erling
However, some social media users are not happy with the footballer as they believe he is promoting taxidermy by publicly posting it. One commenter said: "Animals are living beings, not decorations. It's deeply sad to see taxidermy used this way. Let's choose empathy and respect for all life. We love you very much @erling , but this sends bad message to the community."
Another wrote: "As a public figure you should understand the negative impact posting something like this can have. Do better. Period. ❤️"
