Erling Haaland Sparks Raccoon Craze

If you’re in the market for a stuffed raccoon, you’re not alone. Thanks to soccer sensation Erling Haaland, this quirky collectible is getting a lot of attention.

The Norwegian player has made waves during the World Cup, not just for his impressive gameplay, but also for how he’s embraced American culture during the tournament. Part of this includes his affinity for unique souvenirs.

After the team’s return to Norway, Haaland was seen stepping off the plane with—wait for it—a stuffed raccoon clutching an empty liquor bottle. Now, that’s certainly a sight. It caught people off guard, and honestly, it was a bit odd. But it’s also become clear that this raccoon is part of his taxidermy collection, which he started building while at the tournament.

Haaland’s newfound love for this raccoon has led to a sudden spike in demand. Stores where these raccoons were originally sold are struggling to keep up. Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, for instance, has started producing stuffed raccoons and is even shipping them internationally to meet the expected demand.

This scenario serves as a good reminder: sometimes, success comes from the most unexpected places. It seems unlikely that Wild Bill’s had anticipated that a Norwegian athlete’s interest in stuffed raccoons would lead to a surge in sales, especially with the World Cup set to take place in the U.S. in 2026.

While they might not have envisioned this kind of popularity, they must be happy to see Haaland’s influence boosting their sales—who wouldn’t be?

In a related twist, the TSA now finds itself facing a unique challenge due to the World Cup frenzy. While there isn’t a specific rule against bringing home a stuffed raccoon with a liquor bottle, it’s suggested to check with airlines before traveling.