Erling Haaland brought home more than just a pair of cowboy boots to Norway after his memorable run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Haaland was one of the most beloved figures from this year’s tournament, as he led Norway to a spirited run to the quarterfinals. Norway’s World Cup campaign ended Saturday in a thrilling 2-1 loss to England in extra time.
Haaland, who scored 7 goals in 5 matches played on U.S. soil, seemed to have the time of his life acclimating to the American lifestyle throughout Norway’s month-long stay. Erling said his goodbyes to the U.S. just before his team’s flight back home.
Upon landing, Erling was spotted with a rather interesting companion: a taxidermy raccoon.
“It followed me home,” Haaland captioned, referring to his new furry American friend.
It followed me home 🦝🤣 pic.twitter.com/IwMhgv0CAb
— Erling Haaland (@Erling) July 13, 2026
The raccoon was reportedly holding an empty bottle of Greenall’s wild berry gin. According to The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and Sam Joseph, Haaland purchased the piece at Wild Bill’s Western Store, a 50-year institution in Dallas, along with snakeskin boots and a cowboy hat.
“It was from us,” store owner Julie Newport said. “We’ve had a couple of these taxidermy raccoons in the store for the last few years, and he obviously gravitated to that and a couple of the squirrels. (Since he posted on social media), we ordered another raccoon — we put it out on the floor today but by the time we put it on the floor, someone already bought it online.”
Anyone hoping to purchase a similar taxidermied raccoon may be out of luck. Newport added that the Wild Bill’s “taxidermy guy” has since retired, with only “one or two more coming” to the store.
Haaland may not have won the World Cup, but he’s sure to be the lone owner of a taxidermy raccoon holding an empty gin bottle in all of Norway.
