From World Cup Hero to Texas Cowboy: How Erling Haaland's Visit Made Wild Bill's Go Viral
From World Cup Hero to Texas Cowboy: How Erling Haaland's Visit Made Wild Bill's Go Viral
There are moments in business you simply can't plan for.
One minute, you're helping customers find the perfect cowboy hat. The next, one of the biggest football stars in the world walks through your front door just hours after scoring the game-winning goal that sends his country into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
That's exactly what happened at Wild Bill's Western Store.
A World Cup Star Walks Into Wild Bill's
Fresh off Norway's dramatic victory over Ivory Coast in Dallas, Erling Haaland decided to experience a different side of Texas—one that's every bit as authentic as the game itself.
Instead of heading back to the hotel, Haaland and members of the Norwegian National Team visited Wild Bill's in Historic West End Dallas to experience genuine Texas hospitality, custom cowboy hats, boots, and western style.
Like so many visitors from around the world, he wanted to take home more than a souvenir. He wanted the real Texas experience. If you haven't already checked it out you can view the experience from his perspective HERE
The Photo That Took Off Around the World
As Haaland tried on hats, boots, and one of our now-famous "Y'all Can Kiss My Dallas" T-shirts, it quickly became clear this wasn't just another celebrity shopping trip.
When he shared the photos with millions of followers across his social media channels, the internet responded almost instantly.
The images spread across Instagram, Snapchat, X, Fox 4 News, WFAA, and sports publications worldwide.
Soon, media outlets from around the globe were sharing "Cowboy Haaland," celebrating the Norwegian superstar embracing Texas culture during the biggest sporting event on earth.
For us, it was incredible to watch a simple, authentic shopping experience become an international moment.
More Than Just a Viral Post
While the photos were fun, what made them special was how genuine the experience felt.
Haaland laughed with teammates, tried on different hats, learned how to line dance and practiced his Texas "Howdy," and enjoyed the same personalized service every guest receives when they visit Wild Bill's.
That's what we've always believed western hospitality should be.
Whether you're a lifelong Texan, visiting Dallas for the first time, or traveling halfway around the world for the World Cup, everyone who walks through our doors gets treated like family.
The World Found Wild Bill's
The response exceeded anything we could have imagined.
Visitors began arriving specifically looking for the famous shirt Haaland wore. Online orders surged as fans from around the world wanted to own a piece of the story. Social media engagement skyrocketed, and Wild Bill's reached audiences far beyond Texas.
It's a reminder that authentic moments resonate.
People weren't just buying a T-shirt...they were buying into a memory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, of Dallas, and of one of football's biggest stars embracing Texas culture.
Experience It for Yourself
For nearly 50 years, Wild Bill's has welcomed visitors from every corner of the globe.
We've helped celebrities, athletes, musicians, world leaders, and millions of travelers find the perfect pair of boots or shape the perfect cowboy hat. But every guest receives the same experience.
If you're visiting Dallas, stop by Historic West End and see why Wild Bill's has become one of the city's most iconic destinations.
Who knows?
You might even find yourself trying on the same hat—or the same "Y'all Can Kiss My Dallas" T-shirt—that helped create one of the most talked-about World Cup moments outside the stadium.
Because sometimes, history isn't just made on the pitch.
Sometimes, it's made in a western store in the heart of Dallas. 🫶