Listen to this article
Average 4 minutes
The audio version of this article was created by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations may occur. We are working with our partners to continuously review and improve the results.
At this point, perhaps Erling Haaland’s fans can expect less.
Norway’s star striker, who has achieved something 12 million new followers on Instagram alone since the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he was photographed stepping off the team plane in Oslo on Monday with a Dolce & Gabbana tote in one hand and a taxidermy raccoon in the other.
The raccoon was also carrying it an empty bottle of gin.
“Follow me home,” Haaland captioned an Instagram post that has 6.6 million likes as of Tuesday morning. He also posted a poll asking fans to “help me name my new friend,” with the options Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and ROW (short for raccoon on wheels).
So far, ROW is leading the way.
The owner of Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, confirmed to The Athletic that Haaland bought a raccoon when he visited the city for the game between Norway and Ivory Coast. He also bought a cowboy hat, snakeskin boots and a shirt that read “Y’all can kiss my Dallas.”
The outlet has posted several comments and stories since the first photos of Haaland and his new companion appeared, including one that read: “We know that raccoon! So cool to see our little raccoon make it to Norway.”
The shop owner Julie Newport he told The Athletic that they had a few raccoons in the store a few years ago, and that Haaland “pulled” on them and “a couple of squirrels.”
“Wordered another raccoon – we put it down today but by the time we put it down, someone had already bought it online,” Newport said.
CBC News also reached out to the store, but did not hear back.
The taxidermy “whiskey raccoon” – despite the figure holding a bottle of gin – is now listed as sold on the store’s site, but was previously listed for $750 US ($1,054 Cdn).
All four taxidermy squirrels — which range from $450 to $500 US ($632 to $702 Cdn) and have names like “drunk squirrel,” “war squirrel,” “Sherriff squirrel” and “stripper squirrel” — are also on sale starting Tuesday.
“Our squirrels and raccoons received worldwide attention” after Haaland shared the photos with critics, the store’s website now reads, adding that it introduced “millions of fans to one of the most unexpected Western cultures in Texas.”
“These iconic mounts are guaranteed conversation starters.”
A snapchat video posted by Haaland and reposted by fans on TikTok appears to show the soccer star filming two squirrels and a whiskey raccoon in his hotel room.
It is not yet clear what happened to the squid.
‘It’s been quite a row’
Haaland, who plays for Manchester City of the Premier League, is already a well-known and successful footballer, as he has won. nine major trophies with the club, including the prestigious Champions League trophy.
But the 25-year-old’s popularity grew during the tournament thanks to his dry, funny demeanor and athleticism on the pitch.
Haaland posted a video about his visit to Wild Bill’s on his YouTube channel on July 3, where he talks about how friendly everyone is in Dallas and how much he would like to come back.
“Texas has been amazing,” he said.
Norway lost their quarterfinal match against England on Saturday. On Sunday, Haaland wrote, “It’s been quite a row, thanks for making it so special” — a reference to the Vikings’ infamous line song.
On Monday, he wrote, “Go well, America. It’s been emotional!”
The Norwegian soccer team is popular in the FIFA World Cup with their amazing Vikings line song. CBC Kids News contributor Natasha Manikavasager explains the history of celebrating the virus.
