Erling Haaland brings taxidermy raccoon home to Norway after World Cup

Erling Haaland, Norway’s star striker, returned home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a unique souvenir that quickly became a global talking point: a $750 taxidermy raccoon. The 25-year-old Manchester City forward, who scored seven goals in five matches during Norway’s best-ever World Cup campaign, was photographed stepping off a plane at Oslo Airport on July 13 carrying the unusual item under his arm. The raccoon, depicted holding an empty bottle of Greenall’s wild berry gin, was a purchase from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, where Haaland had stopped during Norway’s run in the tournament.

Haaland’s visit to the Dallas store occurred after Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the Round of 32. The striker, known for his humor and off-field antics, spent about an hour browsing the shop, which has operated for nearly 50 years. He purchased the raccoon, along with a cowboy hat, snakeskin boots, and a T-shirt featuring the phrase “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas.” The raccoon, dubbed the “Whiskey Raccoon” by the store, was one of several taxidermy items on display, including two squirrels—dressed as a sheriff and a “drunken” figure—that Haaland also bought. The items, priced at $750 for the raccoon and $450 each for the squirrels, were not typically high-demand products until Haaland’s visit.

“It followed me home,” Haaland wrote in an Instagram post, accompanied by a photo of the raccoon. He later asked fans to help name the creature, offering options like “Cowboy,” “Ranger,” “Tex,” and “R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).” The post, which garnered 6.6 million likes, underscored Haaland’s playful persona and his growing popularity in the U.S., where he gained over 22 million Instagram followers during the tournament. The striker also praised American culture, stating, “I think they are kind of hilarious. They are funny. I like the way they are.”

The raccoon’s sudden fame sparked a surge in demand for Wild Bill’s products. Store owner Julie Newport, who purchased the Dallas-based shop four years ago, confirmed that Haaland’s visit had transformed the business. “We opened up international shipping for the first time ever,” she told *The Athletic*. “We’re shipping to Norway, Germany, the UK, Brazil, and Australia now.” The raccoon, which was sold out within days, had already prompted the store to reorder from its taxidermy supplier, though the artisan behind the pieces has since retired. Newport noted that three additional raccoons were on their way, but availability beyond that was uncertain.

Haaland’s World Cup journey was marked by both on-field success and off-field charisma. Norway’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to England, but the team received a hero’s welcome upon their return. Thousands of fans lined Oslo’s streets for an open-top bus parade, and the squad was greeted by King Harald at the Royal Palace. Despite the defeat, Haaland expressed pride in Norway’s performance, stating, “We proved that it’s possible to beat one of the biggest teams in the world.”

The taxidermy raccoon, however, became an unexpected symbol of the tournament. Its image now adorns Wild Bill’s website, alongside Haaland’s photo wearing the store’s merchandise. The item also sparked debates about American pop culture, with some critics calling it absurd and others appreciating its whimsy. For Haaland, the raccoon was a lighthearted memento of his time in Dallas, where he described the city as “amazing” and vowed to return. “The people are so nice here, so positive,” he said in a YouTube vlog. “I’m coming back here.”

The incident highlighted Haaland’s ability to blend sports stardom with viral moments, further cementing his status as a global icon. While Norway’s World Cup run ended in disappointment, the striker’s quirky souvenir ensured his legacy would be remembered not just for his goals, but for the unexpected charm he brought to the tournament.