Erling Haaland’s USD 750 ‘Whisky Raccoon’ became the talk of Norway’s World Cup homecoming after the Manchester City star brought the quirky Texas souvenir home.
Erling Haaland's stuffed raccoon goes viral after Norway's World Cup return - Here's the story behind it (PC:X/Erling Haaland)
Erling Haaland’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign may have ended in the quarter-finals, but the Norway striker has continued to dominate social media long after the final whistle.
The Manchester City star became one of the tournament’s biggest off-field personalities, with his unfiltered Snapchat posts, quirky sense of humour and refreshingly candid interviews turning him into an internet favourite. While Norway’s historic World Cup run earned admiration on the pitch, Haaland’s everyday, meme-like social media updates made him equally entertaining off it.
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And just when it seemed the World Cup story had come to an end, Haaland delivered one more viral moment.
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As Norway’s team plane landed at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport on Monday, the 24-year-old stepped onto the red carpet carrying an unusual souvenir – a USD 750 taxidermied raccoon clutching a whisky bottle, tucked under one arm.
Leaning into the joke, Haaland later shared photos of the arrival on social media with the caption: “It followed me home.”
It followed me home 🦝🤣 pic.twitter.com/IwMhgv0CAb
— Erling Haaland (@Erling) July 13, 2026
The unusual purchase dates back to Norway’s stay in Texas during the World Cup earlier this month.
During a break in the tournament, Haaland visited Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, where he immersed himself in classic American cowboy culture. Along with a black cowboy hat, leather boots and a T-shirt, the striker was drawn to the store’s collection of quirky taxidermy displays.
Haaland bought stuffed Whiskey Racoon and two stuffed squirrels from Wild Bill’s Western Store. Posted a story about them “Geezahs” on Snapchat start of July. https://t.co/Mwvvdmrl2a pic.twitter.com/3IRRbF39ke
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) July 14, 2026
He eventually bought the now-viral “Whisky Raccoon,” a mounted raccoon clutching a whisky bottle, reportedly worth USD 750.
Haaland’s purchase soon had an unexpected ripple effect. After the store shared photos of the Norwegian striker and his unusual souvenir on its website, the ‘Whisky Raccoon’ sold out online within days, with fans across the world eager to own the same quirky keepsake.
Also Read: 559 babies, one football star: Why Erling Haaland turned into Peru’s top baby name choice
The raccoon wasn’t the only talking point back home.
Despite Norway’s heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time defeat to England in the quarter-finals in Miami, the team received a spectacular reception in Oslo after registering the nation’s best-ever FIFA World Cup finish.
An estimated 90,000 supporters gathered outside the Royal Palace to celebrate the squad, turning the capital into a sea of red as players were greeted like national heroes.
Wow! Tusen takk, Norge ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OW2CXlcFtl
— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) July 13, 2026
The celebrations included the now-famous “Viking Row,” the rowing-style celebration that became synonymous with Norway’s World Cup journey, as players, fans and members of the royal family joined in.
Borte bra, hjemme best ❤️🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/VVhJTi6YVM
— Fotballandslaget (@nff_landslag) July 13, 2026
According to Norwegian broadcaster NRK, the festivities began with a reception at the Royal Palace, where the players met King Harald, before embarking on an almost two-hour open-top bus parade along Karl Johans gate. The celebrations continued at Rådhusplassen, where thousands more fans gathered to cheer the team.
“I don’t think anyone could have imagined this. The support we’ve received has been beyond all expectations, both in the US and here at home in Norway. It’s been absolutely incredible to see,” captain Martin Ødegaard said.
Head coach Ståle Solbakken admitted the scale of the reception even caught the squad by surprise.
“The King prepared us for what was coming. We were a little surprised too that it was so huge,” Solbakken said.
Haaland and midfielder Sander Berge, however, were unable to attend the public celebrations after meeting King Harald, as both had to leave early to catch flights for their post-tournament holidays.
Even so, Haaland ensured he remained one of the day’s biggest attractions, with a stuffed raccoon that became almost as famous as Norway’s historic World Cup run.
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