Discover the 10 strangest football superstitions from around the world that players and teams follow for luck, from bizarre rituals to odd pre-game routines.

10 Weirdest Football Superstitions You’ve Never Heard

Football is a game of skill, strategy, and precision. But beneath the surface of tactical brilliance and athleticism lies a hidden world of strange rituals and bizarre beliefs. Superstitions have long played a part in the beautiful game, with players and coaches clinging to quirky habits they believe bring them luck, avoid injuries, or even help win championships.

Here are 10 of the weirdest MYBET88 football superstitions you’ve probably never heard of — some humorous, some downright creepy, but all deeply rooted in the psychology of winning.

1. Johan Cruyff’s Chewing Gum Ritual

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff wasn’t just a tactical genius; he also had a peculiar pre-match superstition. Before games, Cruyff would slap his goalkeeper in the stomach and spit his chewing gum onto the opponent’s side of the pitch. He believed it brought good fortune. When he forgot this ritual in the 1969 European Cup final, Ajax lost — and the legend of his ritual only grew stronger.

2. Laurent Blanc Kissing Barthez’s Bald Head

During France’s victorious 1998 World Cup run, defender Laurent Blanc made it a habit to kiss goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s bald head before each match. The superstition started as a joke, but when France kept winning, it became a national ritual. The head kiss turned into a symbol of team unity — and one of football’s most iconic superstitions.

3. Pele’s Shirt Swap Gone Wrong

Brazilian icon Pelé once experienced a goal drought and became convinced it was due to losing a lucky shirt he had given to a fan. His team was tasked with tracking it down. When it was finally returned, he immediately regained form. Ironically, it turned out the shirt they recovered wasn’t the original — proof that superstition often lies more in belief than in fact.

4. Sergio Goycochea’s On-Field Urination

Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea took his superstition to an unhygienic extreme during the 1990 World Cup. Before penalty shootouts, he would urinate on the pitch. He claimed the ritual helped him stay calm and focused. While it sounds outrageous, Goycochea was excellent in shootouts, and Argentina reached the final — so perhaps there was magic in the madness.

5. Malvin Kamara’s Pre-Match Ritual: Watching Willy Wonka

Former Sierra Leonean footballer Malvin Kamara had an unusual calming technique: before every match, he watched the 1971 musical Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. He said it reminded him of childhood and helped reduce anxiety. Not the usual adrenaline-pumping routine you’d expect from a professional footballer!

6. Gennaro Gattuso’s Odd Eating Habits

Italian hardman Gennaro Gattuso was known for his fierce tackles and passion, but he also had a strange pre-match ritual — eating baby food. Gattuso believed it brought him luck and helped keep his stomach calm under pressure. It’s just one more reason he stood out on and off the pitch.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Dressing Order

One of the most disciplined athletes in history, Cristiano Ronaldo is also a man of routine. He reportedly always puts on his right sock, boot, and shin guard before his left. He also insists on being the last person off the team bus and stepping onto the pitch with his right foot first. These rituals might sound small, but for Ronaldo, they’re part of a mental framework that has shaped his legendary career.

8. Carlos Tevez’s Chicken Ritual

Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez had a deep-rooted superstition connected to his childhood. He believed eating chicken before a game brought him luck. While it might seem innocent, he was once fined by his club for refusing to eat a different pre-match meal prepared by the club’s nutritionist. For Tevez, loyalty to the ritual mattered more than the menu.

9. The Curse of Benfica

No list of football superstitions would be complete without mentioning the infamous Béla Guttmann Curse. After leading Benfica to two consecutive European Cup titles in the early 1960s, Guttmann left following a contract dispute and allegedly cursed the club, saying they wouldn’t win another European trophy for 100 years. Despite reaching multiple finals since then, the curse has “held” — making it one of football’s most chilling superstitions.

10. John Terry’s Over-the-Top Routine

Former Chelsea captain John Terry was known for having more than 50 game-day rituals. He insisted on parking in the same spot, listening to the same music, and using the same urinal. He even tied his shoelaces exactly the same way every match. While it may sound extreme, Terry’s leadership and consistency on the pitch were legendary.

Why Do Footballers Believe in Superstitions?

Superstitions in football aren’t just random quirks — they often provide psychological comfort in a high-pressure environment. Footballers use these habits to create consistency, reduce anxiety, and boost confidence. Whether it’s chewing gum, lucky socks, or bizarre movie rituals, these routines help athletes feel in control of the uncontrollable.

In a game where one small moment can change everything, players cling to anything that gives them an edge — even if it’s just in their mind.

Superstitions Beyond Players: Clubs and Fans

It’s not just players who hold strange beliefs. Entire clubs and fan bases have their own superstitions. Some teams wear the same kit combination for every important final. Some fans avoid washing scarves or shirts during winning streaks. In one famous case, fans of an English club believed that changing the type of pie sold at the stadium led to a losing streak!

The belief that rituals influence outcomes, however irrational, adds a fascinating psychological layer to the league and the sport overall.

Conclusion: Luck, Logic, and the Love of the Game

Football is as much about passion and belief as it is about strategy and statistics. Superstitions may not hold scientific weight, but their power over mindset is undeniable. They provide focus, reduce doubt, and reinforce the emotional connection between players, fans, and the game itself.

Whether you believe in them or not, these strange rituals are a reminder that football is more than just a sport — it’s a deeply human experience, full of oddities, traditions, and heart.

Support Your Favorite League

As fans, we might not have rituals as weird as Gattuso or Cruyff, but our support fuels the passion and energy behind every match. Whether you’re following your local team or a top international club, show your support and loyalty to your favorite league. Let’s celebrate the magic, madness, and mystery of football together — superstitions and all!