Erling Haaland, the Norwegian striker and Manchester City star, returned to Oslo on July 13, 2026, following his team’s quarterfinal exit from the FIFA World Cup. Upon disembarking from the team’s flight, the 25-year-old athlete was photographed carrying an unusual travel companion: a taxidermy raccoon clutching a liquor bottle. The item, known as the “Whiskey Raccoon,” was purchased by Haaland during a visit to Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas, Texas. The striker had visited the shop with team staff on June 30, following Norway’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast at AT&T Stadium.
A Viral Shopping Spree at Wild Bill’s
Haaland’s excursion to the downtown Dallas store lasted approximately 90 minutes. According to co-owner Julie Newport, the store was closed to the public to allow the team to shop privately, a session that included bourbon and line dancing lessons. The striker’s haul went well beyond the $750 taxidermy raccoon. He also purchased two taxidermy squirrels—one dressed as a sheriff and another posed with a Budweiser can—as well as a gray Stetson Brenham cowboy hat, Dan Post python boots, a longhorn belt buckle, and a T-shirt featuring the slogan, “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas.” The visit, documented on Haaland’s YouTube channel and social media, triggered an immediate surge in demand for the store’s inventory. Items featured in his posts, including the “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas” T-shirt and the Western-style apparel, have seen a significant increase in sales.
Supply Chain Challenges and Global Interest
The sudden fame of the “Whiskey Raccoon” has left the locally owned boutique struggling to keep up with international demand. Julie Newport confirmed that the item is currently sold out. While three raccoons are on order for next week, future availability remains uncertain because the artisan who crafts the pieces has retired. “We’re learning how to pivot and handle this kind of exposure and traction with sales,” Newport said. The store has opened international shipping for the first time, fulfilling orders to Norway, Germany, the UK, Brazil, and Australia.
Haaland’s Cultural Embrace of the U.S.
Haaland’s off-field personality became a focal point of the 2026 World Cup. The striker, who scored seven goals in five matches, frequently used social media to document his experiences in the United States. Following the viral photos of him arriving in Oslo with the raccoon and a Dolce & Gabbana Sicily tote bag, Haaland utilized his Instagram Story to ask fans for help naming his new souvenir. The suggested names included Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and R.O.W. (Raccoon On Wheels). Reflecting on his time in the country, Haaland expressed an appreciation for American culture during a media availability session. “I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans,” he said. “I think they are kind of hilarious, as well. They are funny. I like the way they are.”
Summary of Haaland’s Notable Purchases
| Item | Price | Status | | :— | :— | :— | | Whiskey Raccoon | $750 | Sold Out | | Taxidermy Squirrels | $450 each | Limited Stock | | Western Apparel | Varies | High Demand | The striker, who has won the Premier League’s golden boot in three of the last four seasons, remains a central figure in global soccer. While Norway’s tournament run ended in a 2-1 loss to England, Haaland’s ability to turn a local boutique visit into an international retail phenomenon underscored his status as one of the tournament’s most prominent off-field stars.
Find more reporting in our Sports section.
Related reading
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
