Footballers are rational people who calculate the trajectory of shots, analyze the opponent, and monitor their pulse. But as soon as they step onto the field, an ancient mechanism is activated: omens, rituals, amulets, strange habits. Superstitions in football are as enduring as grass on the pitch. World stars spend hours on rituals that, from a rational point of view, have no impact on the game. But they affect the mind. And the mind is the main tool of a footballer.

Why do footballers have superstitions

Psychologists call this "ritual control." In a game where chance (a ball bounce, a referee's decision) plays a huge role, a person needs an illusion of power over chaos. Putting on the right boot first, then the left, or crossing oneself before a shot creates a false sense that you can influence fate. Moreover, rituals reduce anxiety: familiar actions calm the mind, distract from the fear of losing. Superstitions are passed from player to player like a virus. Seeing their idol wear lucky shorts, a young footballer repeats the action.

The most bizarre rituals of top players

Cristiano Ronaldo always enters the field first. Before the game, he jumps, pulls his socks, and tucks in his shorts. His signature ritual is getting his legs shaved a day before the match (never on the day). The legendary goalkeeper of Barcelona, Victor Valdes, would touch the grass with both hands before stepping into the goal and only then take his place. Lionel Messi kneels down and prays before stepping onto the field (he is a Catholic). But his main superstition is that he never steps onto the field with a crumpled pocket, and if someone passes him the ball, he always kicks it back with his foot, not his hand. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, an atheist, still touches the club emblem with his right hand before stepping out of the tunnel. English striker Peter Crouch jumps 10 times in place and whispers a spell he invented himself before every match.

Taboos and prohibitions

Superstitious footballers avoid certain actions. For example, they never step on the line of the pitch when stepping onto the grass — it is believed to bring misfortune. Some avoid billboards, others never step over the ball. In France, it is believed that you cannot wear a new uniform until the match, you need to "break it in" during training. In Italy, many players avoid the number 17 (unlucky in Italian culture) and 13 (European). Gabriel Batistuta never took the number 17. Englishman Gareth Bale never wore the number 13. In Russia, Sergei Ignashevich never shaved before a match, and Alexander Kerzhakov never gave an interview before a game.

Omens for luck

The most popular talisman is shorts. Many players wear the same shorts for several matches in a row if the team wins. David Beckham, for example, kept his "lucky" pair for ten years. French defender Laurent Blanc kissed the bald head of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez before every match for the national team — and this became a national omen. Argentine Gabriel Batistuta always asked to have his boots put on by a teammate, not a masseur, before stepping onto the field. Spanish player Xabi Alonso always touched his leg three times before striking the ball.

Goalkeeper's portion: special superstitions

Goalkeepers are the most superstitious caste. They live alone and mistakes are remembered for a long time. The famous goalkeeper of Manchester United, Peter Schmeichel, always drank tomato juice and ate spaghetti (and only with a certain sauce) before a match. His colleague Edwin van der Sar wore yellow uniforms for all away games because he believed them to be "lucky." German Manuel Neuer always kicks the left post with his left foot at the start of the match. Russian Igor Akinfeev shakes hands with only selected teammates before every game. Goalkeepers also never cross the goal line until the final whistle, even if the ball has long gone out of play.

National teams and national superstitions

The Italian national team does not stay in hotels with room number 17 at the World Cups, and does not use planes with the number 17 in the flight. Brazilians always keep a jar of coffee and milk in the locker room for luck. Germans wear their uniforms in strict order (from 1 to 23) before a game. Englishmen never shave their heads before a match — it is believed to strip them of strength. Argentines bring a small statue of the Virgin Mary onto the field. In Russia, footballers often put coins "for luck" or icons in their boots.

Scientific view: do superstitions work

Studies show that rituals do indeed increase confidence and reduce cortisol levels. In an experiment, footballers were told that they were given a "lucky" ball. Those who believed hit more accurately. Superstitions are not the cause of victory, but a trigger that sets the mind for success. But obsession with rituals is harmful: if a familiar ritual is disrupted (for example, forgetting the shorts), the player may break down psychologically. And then the omen will work the opposite way. Therefore, coaches do not fight against superstitions if they do not harm the regimen.

How superstitions change over time

In the past, footballers wore amulets, spit over their left shoulder, and chewed grass. Today, rituals have become more technological: some players check that their family is watching the match in a certain pose on TV. Others wear headphones with a certain playlist before the game, regulating "waves of luck." But the essence remains the same: the footballer believes that something depends on him more than his technique and physical form. And this belief, however irrational, makes them stronger.

Superstitions are a bridge between ancient sacrifice and modern sports. Footballers, like gladiators, seek support from the supernatural because the stakes are too high. If your favorite player always puts on the right boot before the left, don't laugh. Perhaps that's why he scored that decisive goal.

Permanent link to this publication: