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Erling Haaland Arrives in Norway with a New Bag and a Taxidermied Raccoon
After helping Norway reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Erling Haaland returned to Norway with an unexpected travel companion, a taxidermied raccoon holding a whiskey bottle.
The Norwegian striker arrived in Oslo following Norway’s quarterfinal exit from the 2026 World Cup, but it was not only his performance on the pitch that captured attention. Photos of Haaland disembarking the team plane with the unusual piece quickly spread online, turning the animal figure into one of the most unexpected highlights of his return home.
Photo: Instagram
Known for his personality away from football, Haaland embraced the moment with humor. Shortly after the images went viral, the Manchester City forward shared a post on X joking, “It followed me home,” accompanied by a raccoon and laughing emoji.
The striker later invited fans to help choose a name for his new companion through an Instagram poll, offering options including “Cowboy,” “Ranger,” “TEX,” and “R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).”
The taxidermied raccoon reportedly came from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas, where Haaland had visited during Norway’s World Cup journey. Fans quickly identified the item as the “Whiskey Raccoon,” a decorative piece featuring a raccoon holding a whiskey bottle, with reports suggesting it was priced at around $750.
Beyond the viral souvenir, Haaland also arrived carrying a white and maroon Prada bag, adding another memorable detail to his post-tournament appearance. The combination of designer fashion and a quirky Western-themed purchase reflected the striker’s distinctive style and playful personality.
Haaland’s return followed a historic World Cup run for Norway. The 25-year-old played a central role in helping the team reach the quarterfinals, marking one of the nation’s strongest performances on football’s biggest stage. Although Norway’s journey ended with a 2–1 defeat against England, Haaland described the experience as life-changing.
Photo: Instagram
“It’s been quite a row, thank you for making it so special,” he wrote after the tournament, sharing his appreciation for the support he received throughout the competition.
While the raccoon may have stolen attention at the airport, Haaland’s World Cup performance remains the defining moment of his summer. His combination of elite football ability, confidence, and off-field personality has made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, both during matches and in the moments that follow.