An Unexpected Star in a Tank
In the summer of 2010, while the world was watching the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, a common octopus living in a German aquarium unexpectedly became an international sensation.
Paul, an unassuming cephalopod at the Sea Life Centre in Oberhausen, correctly predicted the outcomes of Germany’s seven matches—and even chose Spain as the winner of the final. His predictions, made by selecting mussels from boxes marked with national flags, brought him global fame and international headlines.
From Weymouth to Worldwide Fame
Paul was hatched on January 26, 2008, at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, England, and was later moved to Germany. His name was inspired by a German children’s poem. During Euro 2008, he correctly predicted four out of six German matches.
Two years later, during the 2010 World Cup, Paul accurately predicted the outcome of all seven of Germany’s games, as well as the final between Spain and the Netherlands. In total, Paul had 12 correct predictions out of 14—an 85.7% success rate.
Reactions from Around the World
Paul’s accuracy sparked global attention. Some German fans threatened to eat him after he chose Spain over Germany in the semi-finals, prompting Spanish officials to offer him protection. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad criticized the international focus on Paul, calling it a reflection of Western decadence.
Meanwhile, others questioned if the flag designs or food placement influenced his choices, but no conclusive explanations emerged. Statisticians noted the improbability, but not impossibility, of his prediction streak occurring by chance.
Life After the Predictions
Despite offers, including a €30,000 bid to appear at a Spanish octopus festival, Paul remained in Oberhausen. He died on October 26, 2010, at age two and a half—typical for his species. A memorial was created in his honor at the Sea Life Centre.
Paul’s fame inspired mobile apps, political commentary, media appearances, and even a fictional film. Other animals tried to follow in his predictive footsteps, but none matched his streak. Doubts were raised about whether the same octopus was used in both 2008 and 2010, but no evidence of substitution was found.
In 2010, a common octopus named Paul stunned the world by correctly predicting football match results during the FIFA World Cup.
Living in a German aquarium, Paul’s choices were broadcast live—and every time he picked a team by opening a box, the world watched…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/DT2vqng1AB
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) August 6, 2025