Erling Haaland may have left the World Cup, but his ability to capture attention has not. The Norwegian striker returned to Oslo on Monday after Norway's 2-1 quarterfinal defeat to England, and the image of him disembarking at Gardermoen Airport with an unusual companion has taken over social media.
Haaland was photographed carrying a taxidermy raccoon — one paw gripping a miniature bottle of whiskey. The souvenir, purchased at a shop called Wild Bills in Dallas, reportedly cost $750 (€658) and is listed as a "Whiskey Raccoon H-MT-F." According to British tabloid The Sun, the player also bought several cowboy hats, boots, and a t-shirt reading: "Y'all can kiss my Dallas."
From Pitch to Meme
The internet's reaction has been swift and creative. Fans have dubbed the raccoon Haaland's "new best friend" and turned the image into memes, with some suggesting the animal could serve as a mascot for his next club season. The moment adds to a growing list of viral Haaland moments during the tournament, including his goal celebrations and a resurfaced rap track.
Norway's World Cup journey ended in extra time against England, a match that saw Haaland score his fifth goal of the competition. The defeat was a bitter pill for a nation that had hoped to reach the semifinals for the first time since 1998. Yet the striker's off-field antics have provided a lighter note for fans still processing the exit.
For context on the match itself, see our coverage of England Edges Norway in Extra Time; Argentina Overcomes Ten-Man Switzerland.
A Broader Trend
Haaland's raccoon is not the only unusual pet story making rounds in Europe. The trend of bringing animals — living or otherwise — into workplaces and homes has been on the rise. For a look at how European companies are accommodating four-legged friends, read Europe's Pet-Friendly Workplaces: Where Dogs and Cats Are Welcome.
The viral nature of Haaland's souvenir also fits a pattern observed during this World Cup: the proliferation of AI-generated content featuring the striker. As noted in AI-Generated Erling Haaland Content Floods Social Media During World Cup, digital creators have been quick to produce and share manipulated images and videos of the player.
Meanwhile, the tournament continues without Norway. England will face Argentina in the semifinals on Wednesday, 15 July, in Atlanta. Authorities have announced enhanced security measures for the match, citing the historical rivalry between the two nations. The Atlanta Police Department stated: "As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture. Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone."
For now, Haaland's raccoon remains the talk of Norwegian social media — a whimsical footnote to a tournament that promised much but ended too soon for the Nordic side.
