World Cup sensation Erling Haaland returns to Norway carrying taxidermied Whiskey Raccoon
He may not have left the World Cup with a trophy, but Erling Haaland came home with something even better.
The Norwegian striker became an internet sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup competition with his ruthless goal-scoring skills and Viking-like bulk that earned him praise from all corners of the world.
On Monday, fans were ecstatic to learn that the 25-year-old had gained a new furry friend.
After returning to Norway following his team’s devastating quarter-final defeat to England on Sunday, photographers caught the star player leaving the plane with a special souvenir from the USA.
The football star was seen carrying a large stuffed raccoon mounted on a piece of wood in his left hand.
Waiting fans and media reportedly burst into laughter when they saw the star striker’s new friend.
“He followed me home,” the viral sensation later shared on social media.
Haaland then publicly asked for help naming the stuffed mammal, offering four different options to her 67 million followers.
Cowboy, Ranger, TEX and ROW (Raccoon on Wheels) were in the race; The second option is currently winning the polls by a mile.
Many fans were quick to compare images of Haaland and her new best friend to Marvel characters Thor and Rocket Raccoon; It’s an apt comparison, considering the Norwegian actor’s resemblance to the Norse God.
The stuffed piece appears to have been purchased at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas.
The “Whiskey Raccoon” listed on the store is positioned to cradle an empty liquor bottle — but sources have confirmed that Haaland’s raccoon is actually clutching a bottle of wild gin, despite its name.
Protected breasts earned the Norwegian sports star $750.
Wild Bill’s owner Julie Newport told USA Today That the attention the Norwegian’s crazy purchase brought to his store was “special.”
“We’ve had a few of these taxidermy raccoons in our store for the last couple of years, and (Haaland’s) clearly gravitated toward that and a few squirrels,” he said in question.
“For this to happen for a small store like us is really special.”
The store’s owners announced they had started shipping internationally, largely due to the World Cup star’s visit.
“For international shipping, our ability wasn’t open before Haaland’s visit,” Ms. Newport said.
The purchase of the Dallas store is the latest way Haaland has embraced American culture during her time in the US; The striker often sings praises to the host country in pre- and post-match interviews.
“I love the Americans,” the striker told the media ahead of Norway’s eventual quarter-final defeat.
“I think they’re very funny, funny, that’s why I like them.”
