Haaland's Cult €660 Acquisition Becomes Viral Hit

Erling Haaland consistently finds ways to surprise. The striker returned to Norway with his teammates after their dramatic 2-1 extra-time quarter-final exit from the World Cup against England. The prolific goalscorer, who netted seven times during the tournament, brought back a unique souvenir from his trip to the USA. Upon disembarking the plane, he was seen carrying a taxidermied raccoon under his arm, clutching an empty whiskey bottle between its front paws.

“This followed me home,” the Manchester City player posted on social media, accompanying his message with a “laughing to tears” emoji. The item is a “whiskey raccoon” model, sold by the “Wild Bill’s” store in Dallas, where Norway played their Round of 16 match against Ivory Coast (2-1) on June 30th. The product retails for $750 (approximately €660) and is now completely sold out.

On its homepage, the store proudly features the Norwegian star's visit, showcasing two photos of him posing in cowboy attire.

“Norway’s football superstar visited Wild Bill’s,” the website states. “He stopped by during his World Cup stay in Dallas. The Norwegian goalscorer embraced true Texan style, tried on several hats, and even picked out some favorites. You’re all welcome to embrace our Dallas anytime.” In the two published photos, Haaland is wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Y’all can kiss my Dallas” – a pun of somewhat questionable taste.

Haaland’s quirky souvenir quickly became a social media sensation, with his Instagram post garnering over five million shares.