ไทย
English
中國人
Few things are as quintessentially American as ranch dressing, which enjoyed its moment in the global spotlight this summer when soccer fans traveling abroad brought it back (or at least tried to) as a World Cup memento from the United States.
Also on that short list of spiritually red, white and blue tournament keepsakes, however? A, well, taxidermied raccoon clutching a bottle of whiskey. Yeah, that definitely qualifies.
Norwegian soccer sensation Erling Haaland, whose worldwide fame skyrocketed after steering his nation on a Cinderella journey to the quarterfinals, touched down back in Scandinavia on Monday. And with him, he carried a stuffed trash panda — certainly not the trophy he had been hoping to lift, but one that scratches some kind of itch, without question.
Of all the possible souvenirs, why did Haaland settle on this one? Why not embrace, say, the ranch dressing, rather than choosing a life-sized mammal famous for rummaging through garbage?
Well, we can't say for certain unless he addresses it himself. But at the risk of putting words in his mouth ... this statue does, at least, seem on brand for him. A bit of quick research also reveals that raccoons are quite uncommon in Norway, so perhaps this genuinely does make sense as a worthwhile keepsake. (He also joked in an Instagram post that the animal "followed me home.")
As for where he may have picked up such an item, Haaland spent time in Dallas during his World Cup campaign and notably paid a visit to Wild Bill's Western Store. It was there that he tried on cowboy hats and boots, and wore a shirt reading "You Can Kiss My Dallas." Wild Bill's also happens to carry a whiskey raccoon (priced at $750). It is now sold out.
Among the shop's other quirky collectibles are a $500 "Belligerent Squirrel" — yet another taxidermied figure, this one depicting a squirrel smoking a cigarette and gripping a bottle of Jack Daniel's — and a $450 "Sheriff Squirrel," which comes without any alcohol but does include a toy gun. Truly remarkable merchandise.
Haaland's World Cup run
Haaland and Team Norway were eliminated on Saturday, falling to England in a 2–1 defeat. The 6'5" striker had an uncharacteristically quiet quarterfinal outing — failing to find the net for the first time all tournament. He had tallied seven goals heading into that highly anticipated clash.
Nevertheless, despite the elimination, both Haaland and Norway are emerging from the experience with their heads held high. Even he sees it that way.
Enable functional cookies to see this feature.
"I'm quite happy with my life. I'm enjoying it. I'm in a good place. And … I mean, it's kind of difficult to take in the kind of … show or rollercoaster that we have been on now for the last six weeks. There has been so much pressure, so much emotion. It has been … unreal, honestly," the striker said following the match.
"It has been the best weeks and the greatest journey I've ever experienced in my life. It's hard to process right now; you feel a little empty. If I try to quickly reflect on these 40 days, it has been absolutely incredible — the coolest thing I've ever been a part of. And I think all Norwegians truly appreciate it as well. I hope it has brought people together. We should be proud … but at the same time, learn from this."
More Soccer From Sports Illustrated
Brigid Kennedy is a contributor to the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. Before joining SI in November 2024, she covered political news, sports and culture at TheWeek.com before transitioning to Livingetc, an interior design publication. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, with dual majors in television, radio and film (from the Newhouse School of Public Communications) and marketing management (from the Whitman School of Management). Outside of work, she enjoys going to the movies, reading and cheering on the Steelers.