PETA Issues 'Red Card' to Haaland Over Animal Skin Handbag Collection

PETA France has issued a symbolic “red card” to Erling Haaland, criticizing him for owning Hermès Birkin handbags made from animal skins. The animal rights organization’s stance comes as the Norwegian striker for Manchester City is one of the most prominent players at the 2026 World Cup, with five goals scored in the group stage.

“Erling Haaland may be beyond reproach on the pitch, but his collection of Hermès Birkin bags earns him a red card from PETA and from all the animals whose skin was stolen to make them,” the organization wrote in a statement. It called on the 25-year-old player to “set an example of compassion, rather than display accessories resulting from cruel and violent practices against animals.”

PETA detailed the manufacturing conditions it denounces: crocodiles “violently struck on the back of the neck and having metal rods driven into their spines,” lizards “beheaded while still conscious,” and cattle transported to slaughter from enclosures described as unsanitary. The organization bases its claims on investigations it says it has conducted into Hermès’ supply chains.

“While so many young fans admire their football heroes and seek to emulate them, Erling Haaland could use his fame to fight cruelty rather than endorse atrocious suffering,” PETA France concluded.

Neither Haaland nor his representatives have publicly responded to these accusations. The Norwegian striker is expected Sunday evening with Norway for a round-of-16 match against Brazil, after eliminating Côte d’Ivoire in the previous round.