Erling Haaland brought a stuffed raccoon bottle holder back to Norway

It’s safe to say that Norway became a lot of people’s favorite team after the USMNT’s elimination from the World Cup. Superstar striker Erling Haaland was a huge part of that, as the giant enjoyed being in the United States for the Cup, soaking up the sights, sounds, and experiences. That also involved falling in love with a dead, stuffed raccoon posed to hold a liquor bottle that he brought home, and now

If you paused thinking that maybe this was AI, I don’t blame you — because I thought the same, but there’s also video of him getting off the team plane, and it very clearly shows that the raccoon is very much real — dead, but real.

Haaland reportedly purchased the taxidermied raccoon in Texas, because that is an appropriate place to find a stuffed raccoon posed in such a way that it can hold a bottle of vodka with its little hands. The piece of folk art came from Wild Bill’s Western Store, costing Haaland a smooth $750 — which is a bargain for a new friend. Now Haaland is trying to solicit the internet to name his new buddy, and the options are pretty great.

• Cowboy
• Ranger
• TEX
• ROW (Raccoon on Wheels)

There is only one correct option, obviously: ROW. Now only does it honor the Norwegian fans during the World Cup who rowed their raw around stadiums and across cities, but also “Raccoon on Wheels” is one of the greatest statements I have ever heard.

This was a transformative World Cup for Haaland. He went from being a brilliant but largely misunderstood player — and walked away being one of the most beloved athletes on the planet.