Norway is out of the World Cup, but Erling Haaland is still doing Erling Haaland things.
The 6-foot-5 striker was already popular in the soccer world, but his stock grew significantly throughout the 2026 tournament. Fans from all over the world, including China, became a fan of his energetic and funny personality.
Fittingly, the 25-year-old Manchester City forward returned home to Norway with a Haaland-like souvenir: a taxidermy raccoon holding an alcohol bottle.
Photos of Haaland exiting an airplane with the raccoon went viral Monday, so he addressed it on social media.
“It followed me home,” Haaland wrote with a raccoon head and laughing face emojis.
Haaland also posted a photo on his Instagram Story, asking his followers to vote for a name.
“Help me name my new buddy,” he wrote, with the four options being Cowboy, Ranger, TEX and R.O.W. (Raccoon On Wheels).
Norway’s dark-horse run came to an end in the quarterfinals vs. England, where the Three Lions came back to win 2-1 in extra time.
The team became known for their viral “Viking Row,” which was performed in front of fans after wins. Fans also did it themselves during games for extra moral support toward the players.
Erling Haaland has become an unlikely World Cup sensation in China, where fans affectionately call him “Baby Ha.” Here’s how the Norwegian striker won over millions of followers and became one of the tournament’s biggest global stars.