Haaland returns to Oslo with taxidermied raccoon

Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland returned home to Oslo on Monday, July 13, 2026, as a national hero following his country's historic FIFA World Cup run, but it was an unusual travel companion that captured global attention. The Manchester City striker disembarked from the team's flight cradling a taxidermied raccoon mounted on a wooden base and clutching a whiskey bottle, a souvenir he purchased during Norway's tournament stay in Texas.

The quirky keepsake, known as the "Whiskey Raccoon," was bought for $750 at Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas. Haaland visited the family-run retailer in early July, reportedly during a private 90-minute shopping session with teammates following a group-stage victory. According to store staff, the group's purchases totaled approximately $10,000, which Haaland paid. His acquisitions also included custom cowboy boots, a beaver felt cowboy hat, and a customized "Y'all Can Kiss My Dallas" T-shirt.

Upon sharing images of his arrival on social media with the humorous caption, "It followed me home," the item quickly sold out online. The store reported a massive surge in worldwide interest, prompting it to fast-track international shipping to...