Erling Haaland‘s “Whiskey Raccoon” went viral after the Manchester City striker was photographed carrying it off the Norway National Football Team charter plane at Oslo Airport.
Posing with a miniature liquor bottle, which was actually an empty bottle of gin, the strange novelty item was purchased at Wild Bill’s Western Store in downtown Dallas during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Following Norway’s thrilling Round of 32 win over Ivory Coast on June 30, Haaland treated his teammates and coaching staff to a private, late-night, 90-minute shopping spree, generously covering the massive $10,000 group tab for a wide range of classic Texan souvenirs.
In addition to the famous raccoon, Haaland purchased Wild Bill’s entire remaining stock of novelty taxidermy squirrels, prompting fans and media outlets on social media to joke that the superstar forward left the United States with a full “woodland crime family”.
Erling Haaland has returned to Norway, and it looks like he brought home a $750 Whiskey Raccoon from Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, Texas. What an authentic piece of American culture. pic.twitter.com/SsnwZlEgOZ
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) July 13, 2026
The Manchester City forward confidently walked across the Norwegian airport tarmac, cradling a taxidermy raccoon under his left arm and holding a designer Dolce & Gabbana tote bag in his other hand. Shortly after the images went viral, he created an interactive Instagram poll, asking his millions of followers to officially name the raccoon.
The available options were Cowboy, Ranger, TEX, and R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels), which quickly became a fan favorite as a clever homage to Norway’s viral “Viking Row” goal celebration. This viral “Whiskey Raccoon” cost exactly $750, with the two accompanying taxidermy squirrels costing him between $450 and $500 each.
Including 2 squirrels. pic.twitter.com/U68pADuALB
— Conservative Right (@cnsrvtiv_rght) July 14, 2026
The widespread media coverage resulted in an immediate and unprecedented supply runout of all novelty taxidermy animals at Wild Bill’s. Replicas and similar stuffed creatures sold out instantly on their online store, forcing business owner Julie Newport to scramble for more stock.
This inventory replenishment proved extremely difficult because their local Texan supplier’s primary taxidermist had recently retired. While the raccoon was famously photographed as a carry-on item, the precise location, safety, and travel plans of his two stuffed squirrels are unknown.
Erling Haaland’s goals elevated Norway’s historic 2026 World Cup run, their first since 1998, to legendary status. After defeating Ivory Coast for 2-1 and Brazil for 2-1, Norway lost 2-1 to England in the Quarter finals. Following Dallas, Wild Bill’s Western Store became an instant global tourist destination. Fans crowded the boutique to replicate Haaland’s unique style, ordering custom boots. This combination of sports stardom and Texan folklore propelled the boutique to viral status, dominating social media trends beyond the pitch.
