Soccer isn’t just about tactics and talent. For many players, it’s also about rituals and superstitions. These habits, often quirky or downright bizarre, provide comfort and confidence before stepping onto the pitch. Off the field, fans often develop their own routines too, sometimes involving platforms like Avia Masters as part of their matchday traditions. Some are passed down through generations, others developed by coincidence, but all serve one goal: to feel ready. Let’s dive into some of the most unusual practices that footballers swear by.
Pre-Match Rituals: Setting the Stage
Before the whistle blows, players often engage in specific routines to prepare mentally and physically. These rituals, while sometimes odd, are deeply personal and believed to influence performance. Repetition creates a sense of control and predictability.
- Cristiano Ronaldo steps onto the field with his right foot first and exits the tunnel last.
- Gary Lineker avoided shooting during warm-ups to save his goals for the match.
- Leighton Baines tied and retied his shoelaces on the way to the pitch.
- Jamie Vardy drank port the night before matches and loaded up on energy drinks.
- Johan Cruyff slapped his goalkeeper and spat gum into the opponent’s half.
These routines might seem trivial, but for the players, they’re essential parts of their game-day mindset. Superstitions can quiet nerves, help focus the mind, and build a sense of readiness. Even the most seasoned professionals lean on these actions for comfort and control.
Gear and Attire: More Than Just Uniform
Equipment choices often go beyond comfort or style; they can be deeply rooted in superstition. Some players refuse to change certain items of their kit season after season. Others make specific modifications to their gear for reasons that blend tradition with belief.
- Gareth Bale cuts holes in his socks to relieve calf pressure.
- Mario Gómez wore the same shin pads from his youth.
- David Beckham arranged fridge items in perfect alignment before every match.
- Kolo Touré delayed a restart once to be last on the pitch.
- John Terry always listened to the same Usher CD on matchdays.
These habits show how belief can become part of an athlete’s mental edge. Repeating small actions can bring a sense of control. When a player believes something brings luck, that confidence alone can become its own advantage.
Cultural and Spiritual Practices
Some rituals come from deeper cultural or spiritual beliefs. These practices are more than superstition—they’re moments of focus and grounding. They reflect how different players draw on their backgrounds and beliefs to stay centered.
- Lukas Haraslin dresses in under two minutes with a strict routine.
- Casemiro prays on the pitch just before kickoff.
- Lionel Messi places the ball with both hands before a free kick.
- Didier Drogba knelt and prayed before every game.
- Many African players wear religious or tribal charms stitched inside their socks.
These actions create stability and focus in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s prayer, meditation, or a traditional gesture, spiritual routines are often just as important as physical preparation.
Coaches and Their Superstitions
Coaches have their own habits that they believe affect team performance. Some are amusing, others oddly specific, but all are taken seriously. For many managers, superstition is a part of pre-game routine as important as any tactical briefing.
- Julian Nagelsmann uses one energy drink brand until his team loses.
- Raymond Domenech avoided selecting Scorpio players.
- Marcelo Bielsa paces the field before every session and picks one matchday spot.
- Slaven Bilić used to carry a lucky red notebook to every game.
Even on the sidelines, soccer is full of rituals reflecting its emotional nature. In a job where control is often an illusion, these routines bring structure.
Unusual and Bizarre Rituals
Some superstitions stand out for how strange or unexpected they are. These stories have become legends in soccer culture. They reveal the sport’s more eccentric side, where belief can override logic.
- Sergio Goycochea urinated on the pitch before shootouts.
- Reo Hatate warms up with imaginary string motions.
- Leigh Richmond Roose wore an unwashed “lucky” shirt.
- Paolo Di Canio avoided speaking to certain teammates.
- Laurent Blanc kissed Fabien Barthez’s bald head before every game in 1998.
These habits may seem absurd, but they show how deep belief runs in professional sport. Players will do anything to gain even the slightest edge or peace of mind.
More Than Just a Game
Superstitions in soccer aren’t just quirks. They’re psychological tools. They help players feel prepared, confident, and grounded. In a game where moments decide careers, even the strangest ritual can make a difference. Every habit tells a story of pressure, preparation, and the human side of soccer.
Behind the roar of the crowd lies a world of quiet habits and personal rules. These superstitions remind us that soccer is not just physical—it’s deeply mental. And for many, belief is just as important as skill. From a lace tied just right to a quiet prayer, these rituals connect players to something greater than the game itself.
