Pre-match superstitions: when footballers break down!

Imagine the scene: Cristiano Ronaldo, mega soccer star, gets off the plane first, followed by his teammates. Just before entering the field, he takes care to touch the lawn with the tip of his right foot. A harmless ritual? Not for CR7, who, like many footballers, worships superstitions.

In the ruthless world of football, where victory is king, all means are good to maximize your chances of success. And even the most talented players aren't immune to superstition.

So, between strange rituals and wacky habits, discover the Top 10 of footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions! Prepare to be surprised...

The rest of the Top 10 craziest pre-match superstitions of footballers

1. Atlético Madrid's lucky bus

Atlético Madrid has cultivated an unusual superstition since 2014: not changing bus routes to get to the Vicente Calderón stadium, even if it means making a considerable detour. A habit born from an overwhelming victory and perpetuated since, even if it means adding a few minutes of travel!

2. Sir Alex Ferguson's lucky gum

Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic Manchester United manager, also had his little pre-match ritual. He always chewed gum in the access tunnel to the pitch, and sometimes even spit it out on the pitch... to the great dismay of the players and the cleaning staff! Superstition or just a way to relax before kick-off? The mystery remains.

3. Edinson Cavani's premixed fast

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has a unique approach to approaching an important match. He sometimes chooses to fast the day before, convinced that this gives him more strength and vivacity on the field. A daring method that would certainly not suit all players!

4. Roberto Carlos' morning blow dry

Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos was known for his pre-match beauty routine. He demanded an impeccable blow-drying of his long, curly hair, even if it meant delaying the team's entry onto the field. A hair superstition that left a lasting impression on his teammates!

5. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s lucky locker room

Zlatan Ibrahimović, charismatic and self-confident, also has his little quirk. It requires occupying the largest locker room possible, whatever the stadium. According to him, the more spacious the space, the more freely his talent can be expressed. A superstition imbued with a certain ego, just like the character!

This completes our overview of footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions. These strange rituals and wacky habits are part of football folklore, proving that a combination of talent, hard work and a bit of luck can lead to victory!

Top 10 footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions

5. Johan Cruyff's warrior chewing gum

Johan Cruyff, legendary football figure, had his own method of galvanizing his troops before kick-off. His tactic? Conscientiously chew gum before expelling it... into the opposing camp! A symbolic gesture to “mark your territory” and send a clear message to the team opposite: “this is our home”. Superstition or mental strategy? Your turn to judge !

6. Pepe Reina's meticulous meal

Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina is a stickler for routine. Six hours before each game, he makes sure to fill up his car, even if the tank is almost full. Once he arrives at the stadium, he always parks in space 39 and demands a specific pre-match menu: a ham and cheese club sandwich accompanied by a glass of red wine. No question of deviating from the rule! Superstition can sometimes turn out to be a real obsession...

7. Cristiano Ronaldo and his little quirks

Cristiano Ronaldo, perfectionist at heart, does not escape superstitions. As a true pack leader, he is always the first to get off the plane and the last to get off the bus. Before each match, he also touches the pitch with the tip of his right foot. An immutable ritual that brings him luck, it seems!

8. David Beckham's lucky sock

Even football icons are not immune to superstitions! David Beckham, one of the most famous players of his generation, never parted with a holey sock which he considered his lucky charm. A superstition which earned him some mockery, but which never stopped him from shining on the pitch.

9. Franck Ribéry's kangaroo briefs

French striker Franck Ribéry also has his little secret: kangaroo briefs that he wears under his jersey during every match. A ritual that he has adopted since 2007 and which, according to him, has allowed him to win several titles. Proof that superstition can sometimes pay off!

10. Didier Drogba’s gri-gri

Former Ivorian striker Didier Drogba never traveled without his gri-gri, a small bag containing verses from the Koran and personal objects. A precious talisman that gave him the strength and courage necessary to surpass himself on the field.

Stay tuned to discover the rest of this ranking of footballers’ craziest superstitions!

Coming soon: the strangest pre-match rituals, the teams' collective superstitions and many other surprises...

Pre-match superstitions: when footballers break down!

Hook

Imagine the scene: Cristiano Ronaldo, mega soccer star, gets off the plane first, followed by his teammates. Just before entering the field, he takes care to touch the lawn with the tip of his right foot. A harmless ritual? Not for CR7, who, like many footballers, worships superstitions.

In the ruthless world of football, where victory is king, all means are good to maximize your chances of success. And even the most talented players aren't immune to superstition.

So, between strange rituals and wacky habits, discover the Top 10 of footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions! Prepare to be surprised...

Top 10 footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions

1. The lucky kiss from Laurent Blanc and Fabien Barthez

Remember this image that has become cult: Laurent Blanc kissing the bald head of Fabien Barthez before each match of the French team during the 1998 World Cup. An unusual ritual which brought luck to the Blues, since they won the competition!

2. John Terry, the man of many obsessions

The former Chelsea captain was a true believer in superstitions. Dedicated parking space, Usher playlist to motivate yourself and even a favorite urinal in the locker room... John Terry left nothing to chance!

3. Johan Cruyff's warrior chewing gum

The Dutch legend had his own way of galvanizing his troops before kick-off. His tactics? Conscientiously chew gum before expelling it... into the opposing camp! A symbolic gesture to “mark your territory” and send a clear message to the team opposite.

4. Pepe Reina's meticulous meal

The Spanish goalkeeper is a stickler for routine. Six hours before each game, he makes sure to fill up his car, even if the tank is almost full. Once he arrives at the stadium, he always parks in space 39 and demands a specific pre-match menu: a ham and cheese club sandwich accompanied by a glass of red wine. Superstition can sometimes turn out to be a real obsession...

5. Cristiano Ronaldo and his little quirks

A perfectionist at heart, CR7 does not escape superstitions. As a true pack leader, he is always the first to get off the plane and the last to get off the bus. Before each match, he also touches the pitch with the tip of his right foot. An immutable ritual that brings him luck, it seems!

6. David Beckham's lucky sock

Even football icons are not immune to superstitions! David Beckham, one of the most famous players of his generation, never parted with a holey sock that he considered his lucky charm. A superstition which earned him some mockery, but which never stopped him from shining on the pitch.

7. Franck Ribéry's kangaroo briefs

The French striker also has his little secret: kangaroo briefs that he wears under his jersey during every match. A ritual that he has adopted since 2007 and which, according to him, has allowed him to win several titles. Proof that superstition can sometimes pay off!

8. Didier Drogba’s gri-gri

The former Ivorian striker never traveled without his gri-gri, a small bag containing verses from the Koran and personal objects. A precious talisman that gave him the strength and courage necessary to surpass himself on the field.

9. Atlético Madrid's lucky bus

Atlético Madrid has cultivated an unusual superstition since 2014: not changing bus routes to get to the Vicente Calderón stadium, even if it means making a considerable detour. A habit born from an overwhelming victory and perpetuated since, even if it means adding a few minutes of travel!

10. Sir Alex Ferguson's chewing gum

Sir Alex Ferguson, the iconic Manchester United manager, also had his little pre-match ritual. He always chewed gum in the access tunnel to the pitch, and sometimes even spit it out on the pitch... to the great dismay of the players and the cleaning staff! Superstition or just a way to relax before kick-off? The mystery remains.

11. Edinson Cavani's premixed fast

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has a unique approach to approaching an important match. He sometimes chooses to fast the day before, convinced that this gives him more strength and vivacity on the field. A daring method that would certainly not suit all players!

12. Roberto Carlos' morning blow dry

The Brazilian left-back was known for his pre-match beauty routine. He demanded an impeccable blow-drying of his long, curly hair, even if it meant delaying the team's entry onto the field. A hair superstition that left a lasting impression on his teammates!

13. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s lucky locker room

Zlatan Ibrahimović, charismatic and self-confident, also has his little quirk. It requires occupying the largest locker room possible, whatever the stadium. According to him, the more spacious the space, the more freely his talent can be expressed. A superstition imbued with a certain ego, just like the character!

This completes our overview of footballers' craziest pre-match superstitions. These strange rituals and wacky habits are part of football folklore, proving that a combination of talent, hard work and a bit of luck can lead to victory!

Pre-match superstitions: when footballers break down!

Superstitions, rituals, habits... footballers all have their little tricks to maximize their chances of success. So, whether it's a kiss on the bald head, a chewing gum sent to the opposing camp or an impeccable blow-dry, these habits are part of football folklore. They prove that even at the highest level, the part of belief and rituals is important.

But let's not forget that talent, work and a bit of luck remain the main ingredients of victory. And you, do you have any personal superstitions in your daily life?