A Cowboy Fantasy on the World Stage
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian forward who has become one of the most expensive players in soccer, turned heads not only for his performance on the pitch but also for his off‑field shopping spree during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Texas.
The striker visited Wild Bill's Western Store in Dallas, where he spent roughly an hour and a half browsing the racks, ultimately walking out with a collection of cowboy hats, boots, western shirts and ornate belt buckles that together approached the $10,000 mark.
Among the more eye‑catching purchases were a taxidermied raccoon clutching a liquor bottle, priced at $750, and two similarly preserved squirrels, each costing $450, adding a quirky touch to his western‑themed haul.
Haaland covered the entire tab himself, paying for the items while accompanied by four fellow Norwegian internationals who watched the transaction unfold. The expenditure underscores the financial muscle that top‑tier players wield, even when the purchases are as unconventional as taxidermy.
The shopping episode came just days after Norway’s quarterfinal exit at the hands of England, a result that left the team out of the later stages of the tournament. Despite the early departure, Haaland’s lavish spending spree highlights how even in defeat, star athletes can indulge in extravagant personal projects.
The incident also sparked conversation about the intersection of sports, celebrity culture and the romanticized imagery of the American West, as fans and commentators alike reacted to the blend of soccer stardom and cowboy chic.