Erling Haaland Returns to Norway with a Unique Souvenir, Breaking the Internet

Erling Haaland Returns to Norway with a Unique Souvenir, Breaking the Internet

On 18 Jun, after a 2-1 loss to England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Norwegian football star Erling Haaland touched down in Oslo with an unexpected souvenir-a $750 taxidermy raccoon.

What happened?

Haaland, 25, had an excellent World Cup debut, scoring seven goals in five matches. However, it was the unusual item he was carrying in his left hand that drew the most attention. The "Whiskey Raccoon," a taxidermy raccoon standing on a wooden base and sipping from a bottle of wild berry gin, was purchased from Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, Texas.

Why it matters for Erling Haaland

The raccoon, which Haaland named "R.O.W. (Raccoon On Wheels)" on Instagram, sparked dozens of memes across social media. Fans and non-fans alike couldn't get enough of the viral photo, with many reimagining the scene in humorous ways.

What comes next?

The store that sold the raccoon, Wild Bill's Western Store, has seen a surge in popularity and has begun shipping internationally. Owner Julie Newport said that the store has received more orders than usual, with the taxidermy raccoon being the top-selling product.

Haaland's visit to the store was a significant marketing campaign for the business. The footballer autographed two FIFA balls and a hat for Newport, which she keeps on display at the store's hat bar. The store's best-selling product prior to Haaland's visit was the Texas-sized jelly bean, but that has changed since the taxidermy raccoon became a sensation.

The photo of Haaland with the raccoon has become a cultural phenomenon, with many people sharing their own humorous takes on the scene. The internet is full of memes, from Haaland's raccoon sipping a beer to him riding a horse with the raccoon perched on his shoulder.

In an interview with The Athletic, Newport said that the store has been flooded with orders since Haaland's visit. "Every day when we wake up, we have more orders," she shared. "Oddly enough, our top-selling product prior to this was the Texas-sized jelly bean. Now, that's obviously changed a little bit."

Haaland's love for the raccoon has brought attention to the store and its unique products. The footballer's sense of humor and laid-back attitude have made him a fan favorite, and his love for the raccoon has only added to his charm.

The photo of Haaland with the raccoon has become a symbol of the power of social media and the internet's ability to turn a simple photo into a viral sensation. It's a reminder that even the most unexpected moments can become a cultural phenomenon.

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