Erling Haaland Returns Home With a Whiskey Raccoon, Internet Goes Wild

Despite Norway’s painful FIFA World Cup quarter-final exit, Erling Haaland has found himself dominating social media for a completely unexpected reason. The Manchester City striker returned to Norway carrying a taxidermied raccoon holding a bottle of whiskey, instantly turning the unusual souvenir into one of the tournament’s biggest viral moments.

When Norway’s squad landed at Oslo Airport after their extra-time defeat to England, cameras captured Haaland stepping off the team charter with the stuffed raccoon tucked under his arm while carrying his travel bag. The bizarre sight quickly exploded across social media, with fans flooding platforms with memes and reactions.

The now-famous raccoon was purchased during Norway’s stay in Texas following their Round of 32 victory over Ivory Coast. Haaland spotted the unusual display at Wild Bill’s Western Store in downtown Dallas, a popular Western-themed shop known for cowboy hats, boots, and taxidermy collectibles. Earlier in the tournament, he had even teased the item in a Snapchat video before deciding to buy it.

According to store employees, the Norwegian captain immediately fell in love with the quirky souvenir and bought it for around $750 . While his teammates picked up traditional Western merchandise, Haaland carried the raccoon through team hotels, buses, and finally back to Norway.

Keeping the fun alive, Haaland later shared a photo with the raccoon on social media, captioning it, “It followed me home.” He also launched an Instagram poll asking fans to help name his unusual companion, offering four Texas-inspired choices: Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels) , with R.O.W. emerging as the early favourite.

The viral moment has even boosted business for Wild Bill’s Western Store. The shop revealed that demand for similar taxidermy raccoons surged after Haaland’s post, with many of the collectibles quickly selling out.

Norway’s World Cup dream may have ended before the semi-finals, but thanks to his unforgettable Texas souvenir, Haaland has ensured he remains one of the tournament’s biggest talking points long after the final whistle.