Erling Haaland definitely went viral after the FIFA World Cup, but not just for his play on the pitch. The Manchester City striker returned clutching a taxidermied raccoon, a souvenir that immediately captivated social media and ignited a fiery response from animal rights group PETA.
That $750 Souvenir That Broke the Internet
Haaland, already a towering presence, really leaned into American culture during his post-World Cup travels. He developed a specific affinity for Texan tradition, making a memorable stop at Wild Bill’s Western Store in Dallas. The visual of the “towering Viking” in country attire blew up, no surprise there. It helped Haaland rack up over 22 million Instagram followers over the summer. While at Wild Bill’s, before Norway’s World Cup Round of 32 match against Cote d’Ivoire, he snagged that $750 taxidermied raccoon. He was still clutching it tight after Norway’s World Cup elimination. He even posted a photo on X with his furry companion, writing, “It followed me home,” a post that garnered well over 20 million views. Talk about making a splash, right?
PETA’s ‘Raccoon Strikes Back’ Campaign Is No Joke
While Haaland was cutting his hair before the 2026/27 Premier League season got rolling, PETA was busy launching a full-on retaliatory campaign. They were not amused by the raccoon. Klay Rutherford, PETA Director, told the Mirror U.S. Sports that “It’s damaging when popular, influential stars like Haaland show such callous disregard for animals.” PETA’s stance is clear: raccoons, or any animals, shouldn’t be props for jokes or social media attention. So, in August, they dropped “The Raccoon Strikes Back,” a Haaland-themed Halloween costume. It features a Viking helmet, a soccer jersey, and an Erling Haaland mask complete with a raccoon chopping off his man bun. Yes, it’s actually on sale, in all sizes, at the PETA online shop for seventy bucks. Rutherford added, “Our message to Erling is simple: accumulate trophies on the soccer field based on your own achievements, and not by celebrating the deaths of animals who just wanted to live peacefully with their families.” PETA strongly opposes taxidermy, noting that “Most animals who end up with the taxidermist are violently killed and are stuffed and mounted.”
This whole saga has been wild, and it’s not just about Haaland anymore. Wild Bill’s Western Store, in an ironic twist, saw a dramatic surge in popularity, forcing them to establish a worldwide shipping program. Owner Julie Newport said they’re “somewhere around 2,000 online orders right now.” It’s a reminder that every move a star like Haaland makes, even buying a seemingly harmless souvenir, can spark a global conversation.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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