Tom Holland Details Being Ghosted by World Cup Player Erling Haaland

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.

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