Erling Haaland is once again capturing attention in his home country — this time for a quirky souvenir rather than his on-field performance. The Manchester City striker arrived in Norway on Monday, July 13, after the national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup run ended, carrying a taxidermied raccoon clutching a small liquor bottle along with other Dallas purchases.
Photos of Haaland walking off the plane quickly spread online, showing the 6-foot-5 forward with a Dolce & Gabbana tote bag over one shoulder and the unusual item under his arm. He reportedly bought the raccoon for about $750 at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas during the tournament. Haaland later shared a photo on social media, captioning it “It followed me home” and asking fans to suggest a name for his new companion. He also purchased Western clothing including cowboy hats, boots, and a shirt with a humorous Dallas reference.
Norway’s quarterfinal exit at the World Cup in North Texas brought the team to the DFW area, where Haaland and teammates engaged with local culture. The raccoon has become a viral sensation, boosting interest in the Dallas store, which saw some items sell out after the images circulated. No injuries or incidents were reported related to the purchase or travel.
ERLING 'RACCOON' HAALAND. pic.twitter.com/3NxlGt6iAZ
— Edrosh Creative (@EdroshCreative) July 14, 2026
The lighthearted moment provides a fun footnote to Norway’s strong World Cup showing, highlighting cultural exchanges during the international tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Haaland, a global star known for his goal-scoring prowess, continues to draw massive attention both on and off the pitch.
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