Erling Haaland goes viral after returning to Norway with taxidermy raccoon

Norway striker Erling Haaland has gone viral after returning home from the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying an unusual souvenir, a taxidermy raccoon.

Haaland was photographed stepping off Norway's team plane in Oslo on Monday holding a Dolce & Gabbana tote bag in one hand and the stuffed raccoon in the other. The animal was also carrying an empty bottle of gin.

Explaining the unusual purchase in an Instagram post, Haaland wrote: “It followed me home.”

The Manchester City forward also asked fans to help name his new companion, posting a poll with four options: “Cowboy”, “Ranger”, “TEX” and “R.O.W.”, short for raccoon on wheels.

As of Tuesday morning, “R.O.W.” was leading the vote.

According to The Athletic, the owner of Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas confirmed that Haaland bought the raccoon while visiting the city for Norway's World Cup match against Ivory Coast.

The shop said Haaland also purchased a cowboy hat, snakeskin boots and a shirt bearing the slogan: “Y'all can kiss my Dallas.”

The store later reacted on social media after photos of Haaland carrying the raccoon spread online, writing: “We know that raccoon! So cool seeing our little raccoon made it to Norway.”