Erling Haaland returns to Norway with unique World Cup souvenir
Erling Haaland arrived in Norway on Monday, bringing with him an unusual souvenir from his World Cup experience — a stuffed raccoon holding a whiskey bottle, reports BritPanorama.
The Manchester City striker picked up the quirky memento from a shop in Dallas, Texas, reportedly for around $750, which quickly drew attention on social media.
Embracing the moment, Haaland posted on X, joking, “It followed me home,” accompanied by a raccoon emoji and a laughing face. The 25-year-old was photographed disembarking the plane with two bags slung over his shoulder and his fluffy companion in hand, marking the end of a memorable few weeks in the United States.
Known for his entertaining off-pitch antics, Haaland’s stuffed raccoon, dubbed the ‘Whiskey Raccoon,’ is the latest in a series of viral moments he has created during the tournament. His engaging presence included humorous takes on his walking style and playful moments like trying on a cowboy hat.
Now, he seeks input from his fans for the racoon’s name, launching an Instagram Stories poll with options: “Cowboy,” “Ranger,” “TEX,” and “R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).” The last option is a light-hearted reference to the celebrated Viking Row celebration that became iconic during the tournament.
Upon his return, Norway’s heroes received a grand welcome, with Oslo’s streets filled with supporters celebrating the team’s historic campaign after reaching the quarter-finals of the men’s World Cup for the first time. Crown Prince Haakon participated in the festivities, participating in the final Viking Row alongside players and supporters.
Despite missing the royal celebration, Haaland’s debut at the World Cup was impressive, scoring seven goals across six matches, contributing to a remarkable tournament for Norway.
This escapade serves as a reminder of how much joy and unpredictability sport can bring, reminding fans that sometimes the most memorable moments come from the whimsical rather than the traditional.
