Erling Haaland touched down in Norway not with the World Cup trophy, but with a taxidermied raccoon clutching a bottle of whiskey. The 25-year-old Manchester City striker was pictured disembarking the plane proudly cradling the bizarre souvenir, which he bought at a Dallas western shop called Wild Bills for £560. The item, officially known as a Whiskey Raccoon H-MT-F, was one of several purchases including cowboy hats, boots, belt buckles and a t-shirt that reads “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.”
Haaland posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “It followed me home,” alongside a second image of him walking on the tarmac carrying the memento. Fans were quick to react, with one writing: “Everytime I see Haaland, I love him a little more.” Another commented: “Haaland importing a $750 whiskey raccoon from Texas is the most wholesome souvenir flex I’ve seen in a while.” An American supporter added: “This fills me with so much American pride.”
“Erling Haaland returns to Norway with a £560 stuffed raccoon after World Cup quarter-final defeat to England.”
The souvenir added to a string of viral moments that turned Haaland into a global internet sensation during the 2026 World Cup. Norway had suffered a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England, and Haaland, despite scoring seven goals in five games, was unable to make an impact against Thomas Tuchel’s side. But his off-field antics won over fans. One video showed him shopping for a cowboy hat, declaring it made him look like a “proper cowboy.” Another featured him pretending to be the “social media guy” when approached by a fan. He also shared a clip of himself trying a New York City deli sandwich, shaking his head in approval before letting out a big laugh.
One of his first viral moments came when he walked off the field with his head and neck extended and shoulders stiff, sparking memes and comparisons to a green onion top. To commemorate his time in America, Haaland posted an Instagram selfie aboard a bus, wearing a backward hat and sunglasses, with the caption “Goodbye” and an American flag emoji: “It’s been emotional.”
Upon returning to Norway, Haaland and his team-mates received a hero’s welcome, and he joined fans in one last Viking Row celebration to toast the country’s best ever World Cup run. For Haaland, the raccoon was perhaps a consolation prize—but for fans, it was just another reason to love him.