Top News

Erling Haaland Returns Home from World Cup with a Stuffed Raccoon in Hand
Deepa Krishnaswamy | July 14, 2026 10:41 AM CST

After a remarkable campaign that saw Norway reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in history, Erling Haaland has made his return home. The Manchester City striker, however, ensured that his post-tournament arrival in Norway made as many headlines as his performance on the pitch.

The Norwegian star was photographed stepping off a plane carrying two bags and, quite unexpectedly, holding a taxidermy raccoon. The image quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike, sparking amusement across social media platforms.

Sharing the moment online, Haaland humorously captioned the photo, “The raccoon followed me home.”

Throughout the World Cup, the 25-year-old forward had been active on social media, offering glimpses into his experiences and personal moments during Norway’s historic run in the United States.

On the field, Haaland’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. The prolific striker netted seven goals, leading Norway to a milestone achievement — their first-ever appearance in a men’s World Cup quarter-final.

Now back in Norway, the focus shifts to Haaland’s preparations for the upcoming Premier League season with Manchester City. Supporters are already wondering whether his new taxidermy companion will make the journey from Norway to Manchester when he reports back for club duty.

📸 Photo Credit: Jan Langhaug / NTB


READ NEXT
Cancel OK