Norway striker Erling Haaland brings Texas souvenirs home after World Cup match

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland returned to Oslo on Monday carrying a taxidermied raccoon that he had purchased in Dallas after Norway’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the World Cup round of 32. The striker posted a photo of the animal, which was holding an empty liquor bottle, on Instagram and said it "followed me home."

During a brief visit to Wild Bill’s Western Store, Haaland also bought a gray Stetson hat, Dan Post python boots, a T-shirt reading “Y’all Can Kiss My Dallas,” and two taxidermied squirrels, one dressed as a sheriff and another posed with a Budweiser can. The raccoon is listed at $750, and each squirrel at $450.

Store co-owner Julie Newport said the purchases generated significant interest, with the raccoon and squirrel items now sold out and new orders expected soon. She added that the store has begun offering international shipping to meet demand from Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Australia.

Haaland, who has scored seven goals in five World Cup matches, said he enjoys the humor of American fans and appreciates the support he has received in the United States. > "I think it’s a good thing because I like the Americans. I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny. I like the way they are," he told a news conference.

The surge in sales highlights the commercial impact of high-profile athletes’ personal purchases on niche retailers.