Football is a game of skill, tactics, and physical endurance, but for many players, it’s also about rituals and superstitions. Some of the greatest footballers in history have relied on peculiar habits and beliefs to give them an edge on the pitch. From wearing lucky socks to following bizarre pre-match routines, these superstitions often become legendary. Whether it’s a way to calm their nerves or a genuine belief in luck, these rituals are an integral part of many players’ routines. If you’re looking to catch these footballers in action, Socolive TV offers live streaming of the biggest matches, so you don’t miss a moment of football magic.
Johan Cruyff – Spitting on Chewing Gum
Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff had one of the most famous superstitions in football. Before every match, he would spit out his chewing gum onto the opponent’s half of the pitch. Cruyff believed that this ritual brought him luck. During the 1969 European Cup final, he forgot to perform this act, and Ajax lost 4-1 to AC Milan. From then on, he made sure to follow his superstition religiously.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Always Stepping on the Field with His Right Foot
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, follows a strict set of rituals before stepping onto the pitch. One of his most notable superstitions is always stepping onto the field with his right foot first. Ronaldo believes this act brings him good fortune and ensures a strong performance. In addition to this, he insists on sitting in the same seat on the team bus and listens to the same pre-match playlist to get into the right mindset.
Lionel Messi – Kissing a Red Ribbon
Lionel Messi, often regarded as the best footballer in history, has a deeply personal superstition. His mother once gave him a red ribbon for good luck, and since then, he has worn it during matches. He often kisses the ribbon before stepping onto the field, believing it brings him success. Messi’s superstition might seem simple, but it’s been part of his journey to winning multiple Ballon d’Or awards and countless trophies.
Laurent Blanc – Kissing Fabien Barthez’s Bald Head
One of the most famous superstitions in football history was seen in the 1998 FIFA World Cup when French defender Laurent Blanc kissed goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s bald head before every match. This bizarre ritual seemed to work, as France went on to win the tournament, with Barthez playing a crucial role in their triumph. Blanc’s ritual became an iconic moment in football superstition history.
Pele – Recovering His Lost Shirt
Brazilian legend Pele once experienced a slump in form, which he believed was due to losing his lucky match shirt. Determined to regain his magic touch, he sent a friend to retrieve the missing jersey. After getting it back, his performances improved, and he returned to top form. Interestingly, his friend later admitted that he never actually found the original shirt—he had simply given Pele a different one. The psychological effect of believing in his lucky shirt was enough to restore Pele’s confidence.
Sergio Goycochea – Urinating on the Pitch
Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea had one of the strangest superstitions in football history. During the 1990 FIFA World Cup, he developed a habit of urinating on the pitch before every penalty shootout. He believed it helped him perform better, and since Argentina won several shootouts in that tournament, he continued the ritual throughout his career. While unconventional, this superstition became legendary among football fans.
John Terry – Following a Strict Pre-Match Routine
Former Chelsea captain John Terry was known for his extreme pre-match rituals. He followed the exact same parking spot, used the same urinal in the dressing room, and listened to the same music before every game. He even wore the same shin pads for ten years, believing they brought him luck. Terry’s devotion to his superstitions showcased how psychological routines can become deeply ingrained in a player’s mindset.
David Beckham – Obsessive Symmetry
David Beckham’s superstition stemmed from his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He needed everything to be symmetrical and in pairs. In hotels, he would rearrange items until they were perfectly aligned. On the pitch, he would ensure his boots and socks were adjusted in a specific way before matches. His superstitions might have seemed strange to some, but they were an essential part of his routine throughout his illustrious career.
Mario Balotelli – Strange Dressing Rituals
Italian striker Mario Balotelli is known for his unpredictable personality, and his superstitions reflect this. One of his odd habits includes putting on his football gear in a very specific order. He also insists on wearing the same pair of underwear during winning streaks, believing it brings him luck. Balotelli’s eccentricities have made him one of the most talked-about footballers in modern times.
Wayne Rooney – Eating Coco Pops Before a Match
Former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney had a peculiar pre-match superstition—eating a bowl of Coco Pops cereal. He believed that the chocolatey breakfast provided him with the right energy to perform well on the pitch. While nutritionists might not recommend this as an ideal pre-match meal, it worked for Rooney, who became one of England’s all-time top goal scorers.
Conclusion
Superstitions in football are a fascinating insight into the minds of players. While some of these rituals might seem strange, they provide psychological comfort and help players perform at their best. Whether it’s spitting out chewing gum, stepping onto the pitch in a certain way, or even kissing a bald head, these habits have become legendary in football history. If you’re a fan of the game and want to witness these superstitions in action, Bóng đá trực tiếp socolive offers live football coverage, ensuring you never miss a moment of football’s most intriguing players and their quirks.