Forget the golden World Cup trophy. When Norwegian soccer god Erling Haaland trudged off the plane after his nation’s heartbreaking exit from the tournament, he was clutching a far more bizarre consolation prize: a dead raccoon clutching a bottle of whiskey.

That’s right, while England celebrated their victory, the internet’s favorite Viking was making headlines for his peculiar new furry friend. The “Whiskey Raccoon,” a $750 taxidermy masterpiece purchased from Dallas’s Wild Bill’s Western Store, became Haaland’s unexpected plus-one on the flight home. “It followed me home,” the striker tweeted with characteristic dry humor, later asking fans to help name his new roadkill roommate.

This isn’t just a random souvenir; it’s the perfect symbol of Haaland’s unforgettable American odyssey. Throughout Norway’s World Cup run, the Manchester City superstar fully embraced the absurdity and grandeur of the USA, transforming from a clinical goal machine into a full-blown internet meme icon. He bought cowboy hats, wore a shirt that brazenly declared “Y’all can kiss my Dallas,” and charmed a nation with his affable, slightly bewildered appreciation for all things Stateside.

“I think they are kind of hilarious, as well. They are funny. So I like the way they are,” Haaland said of Americans, proving his affinity goes beyond the pitch. His visit to Wild Bill’s, documented on his YouTube channel, wasn’t a PR stunt—it was the act of a global superstar willingly diving headfirst into tourist-trap culture. And the world loved him for it.

The raccoon itself is now a sold-out sensation, with store owner Julie Newport admitting the supplier’s taxidermist has retired, making each remaining critter a rare collector’s item. It’s the ultimate metaphor: in the wake of sporting defeat, Haaland didn’t sulk; he adopted a bizarre, booze-swilling piece of Americana. It’s a mood, a statement, and arguably the greatest World Cup souvenir in history.

While other athletes might hide from cameras after a loss, Haaland strolled into the airport spotlight with a dead animal under his arm, reminding everyone that sports are supposed to be fun—even when you lose. In an era of sterile, media-trained athletes, Haaland’s unscripted joy and quirky purchases have made him the people’s champion. His World Cup run may be over, but his legend, now forever tied to a whiskey-drinking raccoon, is only just beginning. Talk about going out in style.