No, the viral photos weren't AI. Erling Haaland sent social media into a frenzy after arriving in Norway carrying a taxidermy raccoon under one arm and a Dolce & Gabbana tote bag over his shoulder.
Many fans initially thought the bizarre airport images had been digitally generated, but the unusual $750 souvenir was very real, making the Manchester City striker one of the internet's biggest talking points once again.
© Icon SportswireThe football superstar was photographed touching down in his native Norway after concluding his memorable 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America.
While most players returned home with luggage and medals, Haaland stole the spotlight with an unexpected keepsake, a taxidermy raccoon clutching a liquor bottle, purchased during his time in Texas.
The $750 Texas souvenir everyone is talking about:
© JAN LANGHAUGThe unusual collectible reportedly came from Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, Texas, where Haaland visited during the World Cup.
Nicknamed by some shoppers the "Whiskey Raccoon," the handcrafted taxidermy piece reportedly cost around $750 and immediately became the center of attention as photos of Haaland carrying it spread online.
© JAN LANGHAUGThe images became even more surreal thanks to the contrast between the rustic souvenir and the striker's oversized Dolce & Gabbana tote bag, creating a combination that fans described as peak Haaland energy. Within hours, social media filled with memes, jokes and comments praising the Norwegian's eccentric sense of humor.
Haaland fully embraced Texas during the World Cup:
The raccoon wasn't the only memorable purchase Haaland made during his stay in the United States.
While competing in the World Cup, the Manchester City forward paid a visit to Wild Bill's Western Store in downtown Dallas, where he tried on cowboy hats, boots and western shirts before sharing photos captioned simply, "Howdy!" His visit quickly went viral, with several of the western-inspired pieces he wore reportedly selling out shortly afterward.
© Erling Haaland/IGStore owners later revealed that Haaland wanted to experience authentic Texas culture before leaving the city, and his shopping trip became one of the tournament's most talked-about off-field moments.
One of the biggest stars of the 2026 World Cup:
Haaland's latest viral moment comes after one of the most successful international tournaments of his career.
© Erling Haaland/IGThe striker helped Norway qualify for its first FIFA World Cup since 1998, ending a 28-year absence from football's biggest stage. Throughout the tournament, Haaland led the attack with a series of standout performances that helped Norway emerge as one of the surprise teams of the competition and elevated his global popularity even further.
On and off the pitch, the 25-year-old became one of the faces of the tournament. His goals, laid-back personality and viral social media moments turned him into a fan favorite far beyond Norway, with supporters embracing everything from his cowboy outfits to his latest airport appearance.
© Nicolò CampoNow, after returning home with a designer bag on one shoulder and a taxidermy raccoon under the other arm, Haaland has once again reminded fans why he's one of football's most unpredictable personalities. And despite what many first believed, the internet's latest viral image wasn't created by AI. It was simply another unforgettable Erling Haaland moment.
