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Your Breakout World Cup Star Erling Haaland Took Home a Taxidermy Raccoon, Because Why Not
Tom Holland decided to shoot his shot, but it hit a little wide off the mark.
Like many soccer fans, the Spider-Man star has found himself enraptured with the larger-than-life presence that is Norway’s national team player Erling Haaland—so much so he invited the athlete out to dinner when they were both in Monaco to watch an F1 race in June ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Haaland, however, left the other Holland on read.
“And I'll tell you what,” the Odyssey actor said of the incident to Jimmy Fallon during his July 13 appearance on The Tonight Show, "that is exactly the type of humbling experience that is important for actors.”
As the 30-year-old explained, “You're like, ‘I'll text him, I'll take him to dinner.’ Not even a response. Not an excuse, not ‘I'm busy tonight. I’m playing football.’ Nada.”
But even though Holland’s dinner date attempt was blazed over, he’d still be game for a sit down with the six-foot-five Norwegian titan—but he’s not sure the feeling would be reciprocated after England’s July 11 defeat of Norway during the World Cup quarterfinals.
“I don't think he would have dinner with me after the other day,” the Marvel star joked. “He’s incredible. I mean, he’s an absolute legend.”
Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images & Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Indeed, Haaland’s towering frame, long golden locks, Birkin collection and general gregarious spirit—combined with his undeniable soccer skills—have made him a fan-favorite player throughout the 2026 tournament.
The 25-year-old’s distinct look even sparked a lookalike contest ahead of the match in Miami, with fans attempting their best imitation of his signature slicked-back bun.
And even though Norway ultimately lost its place in the World Cup with its quarterfinals defeat against England, Haaland still made headlines with the odd choice of souvenir he opted to take with him back across the Atlantic: a taxidermy raccoon.
Jan Langhaug / NTB / AFP via Getty Images
Indeed, as he disembarked from the team’s private jet in Oslo, he had a brand-new Birkin slung over one arm and a stuffed raccoon—holding and resting its head on a bottle of whiskey—tucked under the other.
The stuffed souvenir came from Wild Bill’s Western Store in Texas and was purchased, per the store’s website, for $750.
As for Haaland’s plans with the mammal? So far, he’s asked fans to help choose between the following names for his new pet: Cowboy, Ranger, TEX and R.O.W. (Raccoon on Wheels).
The footballer—who plays for the Premiere League club Manchester City—captioned a July 13 picture with his soon-to-be-named companion, “It followed me home.”
And while Haaland’s time in the World Cup has come to a close, he’s not the only international player making a splash at the tournament. Read on for more.
Eric Alonso/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal
Age: 18
World Cup Team: Spain
Current Soccer Club: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Position: Midfielder
Don't let Yamal's age fool you. In just two years since his debut, the Spaniard already has a UEFA European Football Championship under his belt. He was also the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or—also known as the "Golden Ball," an award recognizing the best soccer player of the year—in 2025.
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi
Age: 38
World Cup Team: Argentina
Current Soccer Club: Inter Miami CF (United States)
Position: Forward
History has its eyes on Messi, who is the most decorated player in the world of soccer. Not only is he the defending World Cup champion, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is on the cusp of becoming the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as the captain of his national team.
Clicks Images/Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo
Age: 41
World Cup Team: Portugal
Current Soccer Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
Position: Forward
There's a reason why Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. After all, he's scored over 970 goals in his career so far and shows no signs of stopping. He scored at least 100 goals while playing with each of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus—as well as over 130 goals with his national team.
Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images
Harry Kane
Age: 32
World Cup Team: England
Current Soccer Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Forward
Known as one of the best strikers of his generation, Kane is serving as the captain of England's national team for the third consecutive World Cup. In fact, the London native scored the winning goal at the team's warm-up match against New Zealand on June 6.
Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images
Jamal Musiala
Age: 23
World Cup Team: Germany
Current Soccer Club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Position: Midfielder
Ever since kicking off his professional soccer career at age 16, Musiala has been nicknamed "Bambi" for his graceful movements on the pitch. He made his World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament.
Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Neymar
Age: 34
World Cup Team: Brazil
Current Soccer Club: Santos FC (Brazil)
Position: Forward
Born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the mononymous sensation is his home country's all-time leading scorer after surpassing Pelé's 52-year record in 2023. He's looking to lead his team back to World Cup glory for the first time since 2002.
Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
Luka Modric
Age: 40
World Cup Team: Croatia
Current Soccer Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Position: Midfielder
Considered Croatia's greatest soccer player, Modric captained the nation's team to a third-place victory at the 2018 World Cup. He also holds the record for most caps for Croatia, playing for the country more than 190 times on the international stage.
Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Kylian Mbappe
Age: 27
World Cup Team: France
Current Soccer Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Mbappe took home the World Cup when he made his debut in 2018. And after coming close in 2022, with Argentina defeating France in a penalty shoot-out, the Frenchman is undoubtedly entering this year's competition with fire in his belly.
Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior
Age: 25
World Cup Team: Brazil
Current Soccer Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Position: Forward
Born Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, the Brazilian soccer superstar was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player and runner-up to the Ballon d'Or in 2024. In his second World Cup appearance, Vini Jr. is hoping to end Brazil's 24-year wait for the trophy.
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