Football is a game of skill, strategy, and supreme athletic ability. But for many players, coaches, and fans, it’s also a game governed by unseen forces. In a sport where a lucky bounce or a moment of inspiration can decide a championship, it’s no surprise that superstition runs deep. From wearing the same pair of socks for weeks to insisting on being the last one to leave the dressing room, the world of football is filled with bizarre rituals.
This post will explore the weird and wonderful world of football superstitions. We will look at the strange habits of some of the sport’s biggest names and delve into the psychology behind why these rituals matter so much. Get ready to discover the quirky beliefs that help shape the beautiful game, one lucky charm at a time.
Why Are Footballers So Superstitious?
At its core, superstition is about seeking control in an unpredictable environment. Football is the perfect breeding ground for this. A player can train perfectly and execute a shot flawlessly, only to see it hit the post. The outcome of a match often hinges on moments of chance that are beyond anyone’s control.
Rituals provide a sense of order and predictability. By performing a specific action before a game, a player can feel like they are tipping the scales in their favor. It’s a psychological comfort blanket. If a player scored a hat-trick after eating chicken and rice for lunch, they are more likely to repeat that meal before the next game. It’s not logical, but it creates a positive mindset, and in a high-pressure sport, confidence is everything.
These habits become part of a player’s pre-match routine, helping them get into the right frame of mind to perform. Whether it’s a lucky handshake or a specific song, these rituals help build focus and calm nerves before stepping onto the pitch.
Famous Player Rituals and Superstitions
Some of the most legendary players in history were known for their unshakable commitment to bizarre pre-game rituals.
Laurent Blanc’s Kiss
One of the most famous rituals in World Cup history belongs to French defender Laurent Blanc. During France’s successful 1998 World Cup campaign, Blanc would kiss the bald head of his goalkeeper, Fabien Barthez, before the start of every match. The gesture began as a joke but quickly became a non-negotiable good luck charm for the entire squad. The ritual continued all the way to the final, where France lifted the trophy on home soil. Even though Blanc was suspended for the final, his teammates made sure Barthez’s head got its lucky kiss.
Johan Cruyff’s Chewing Gum Routine
The Dutch master and football visionary Johan Cruyff had a very specific pre-match routine when he played for Ajax. Before kickoff, he would walk over to his goalkeeper’s penalty area and slap him on the stomach. Then, he would spit his chewing gum into the opponent’s half. The one time he forgot to do it, in the 1969 European Cup final against AC Milan, Ajax lost 4-1. Cruyff never forgot again.
Kolo Touré and the Last Man Out
Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Kolo Touré was so insistent on being the last player to walk onto the pitch that it once got him in trouble. During a Champions League match for Arsenal, his teammate William Gallas was receiving treatment at halftime. Touré refused to re-enter the pitch until Gallas did, leaving Arsenal to start the second half with only nine players. He was eventually booked for re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission.
Phil Jones’s Sock Dilemma
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones had a peculiar superstition regarding his socks. If Manchester United were playing at home, he would put his left sock on first. If they were playing away, he would put his right sock on first. It was a small, personal ritual that he felt had to be followed, showcasing how even minor details can become significant in a player’s mind.
Coaches and Fans Have Their Rituals, Too
It’s not just the players who are bound by superstition. Coaches and fans also have their own sets of beliefs and routines.
The Unchanging Outfit
Many coaches are known for wearing a “lucky” outfit. The most famous example is probably former Leeds United manager Don Revie, who wore the same suit for every match during a successful run. He believed it was so lucky that he even had it re-lined when it started to fall apart. Similarly, many fans will wear the same “lucky” jersey, scarf, or even sit in the same seat for every home game, convinced their actions have a direct impact on the result.
The Curse of the Drake
The world of football fandom is filled with tales of curses. A recent, and rather amusing, example is the “Drake Curse.” It became a running joke that any team or player the Canadian rapper Drake posed with for a photo would go on to suffer a defeat shortly after. Players from major clubs like PSG and Manchester City fell victim to it, leading some clubs to jokingly “ban” their players from taking pictures with him.
The Last-Person-to-Touch-the-Ball Tradition
In many stadiums, there’s a belief among home fans that the last person to touch the match ball before the players come out should be a young mascot from the home team. The idea is that their innocence and hope will bring good luck to the team. It’s a heartwarming tradition that highlights the deep connection between the club and its community.
Do Superstitions Actually Work?
Scientifically, there is no evidence that kissing a bald head or putting on your left sock first has any effect on the outcome of a football match. However, from a psychological perspective, they can be incredibly powerful.
Superstitions and rituals provide a sense of control and consistency, which can reduce anxiety and boost confidence. A player who believes they are lucky is more likely to play with freedom and self-assurance. This positive mindset can lead to better performance, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. In this way, the ritual itself doesn’t bring luck, but the belief in the ritual creates a mental state that fosters success.
So, while we can logically dismiss these habits as irrational, their impact on a player’s mental preparation is very real.
Conclusion: The Magic in the Madness
Football is a game of fine margins, where anything that provides a mental edge is worth holding onto. The world of superstitions and rituals reveals the human side of the sport—the anxieties, hopes, and quirky beliefs of those who live and breathe it. From lucky charms to pre-match routines, these habits are woven into the fabric of the game.
They add a layer of mystery and fun to football, reminding us that even in an era of advanced analytics and sports science, there is always room for a little bit of magic. So, the next time you see a player meticulously arranging their socks or tapping the turf a certain number of times, know that you’re witnessing a small but vital part of their preparation for battle.
