From lucky socks to forbidden haircuts—explore the weirdest football superstitions that have influenced matches and shaped legends in every league.

Weirdest Superstitions in Football History

Superstition is a curious thing in football. While the game is often described as tactical and logical, some of the world’s greatest players and managers have relied on irrational habits and bizarre rituals to gain an edge. From sleeping in strange positions to refusing to touch trophies before a final, football history is filled with strange and often hilarious superstitions that have impacted careers, clubs, and even the outcome of MQM Bet league titles.

In this article, we’ll explore the weirdest football superstitions from around the globe—and yes, many happened in the world’s most competitive leagues.

1. Johan Cruyff’s Chewing Gum Ritual

The Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had one of the most iconic routines before matches. At Ajax, he would slap his goalkeeper, Gert Bals, in the stomach and then chew gum as he walked onto the pitch. If he didn’t do both, something felt off. In the 1969 European Cup final, Cruyff forgot the routine—and Ajax lost 4-1. Coincidence or not, that routine became gospel in Eredivisie circles and inspired many league players to adopt quirky habits of their own.

2. Laurent Blanc Kissing Barthez’s Bald Head

During France’s victorious 1998 World Cup run, defender Laurent Blanc kissed the bald head of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez before every match. The tradition was born after an early win and continued as Les Bleus powered through the tournament. The moment became legendary in Ligue 1 circles and was even recreated years later during club matches. That ritual might not have any scientific basis, but in the world of football, such acts can feel sacred.

3. Paul Ince’s Shirt Trick

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Paul Ince had a strong superstition: he would only put on his shirt after leaving the dressing room. For him, walking out onto the pitch shirtless and dressing there was a key part of his mental preparation. This tradition became famous in the Premier League, where other players also started adopting similar routines in tribute or belief.

4. Gennaro Gattuso’s Pre-Game Rituals

Italian hard man Gennaro Gattuso had a laundry list of superstitions. He once refused to shave or cut his hair for an entire Serie A season, believing it would bring good luck. At AC Milan, teammates would joke about Gattuso’s refusal to change socks after winning games. It’s easy to laugh now, but during Milan’s golden era, few dared question his methods.

5. Argentina’s Ban on the No. 17 Jersey

In Argentine football, the number 17 is considered unlucky. Several players, including at the international level, have avoided wearing the number. Some league teams in Argentina have even gone as far as skipping the number altogether. Similar to the way some buildings avoid the 13th floor, this superstition has taken deep root in South American football culture.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Obsessive Rituals

Ronaldo is known for meticulous preparation. He enters the pitch with his right foot first, always wears the same type of undershorts, and prefers being the last one off the team bus. His obsession with order and repetition is more than superstition—it’s part of a psychological edge he carries in every match, from La Liga to the Saudi League.

7. Kolo Touré’s Match Entry Rule

When at Arsenal, Kolo Touré once caused a delay to a Champions League second half because of his superstition. He would always wait for every teammate to enter the field before he stepped on. But due to injury treatment, another player delayed re-entry, and Touré stayed at the sideline waiting, even though the game had restarted! The league fined the club, but Touré never stopped the tradition.

8. Cameroon’s Lucky Haircuts

During the 2002 World Cup and African Cup of Nations, several players from the Cameroon squad visited a specific barber known to bring luck. New haircuts were believed to bring better results. Some even avoided cutting their hair completely once the team was winning—this tradition spilled over into club leagues where African stars played.

9. Liverpool’s Boot Room Mythology

In English football folklore, Liverpool’s “Boot Room” was a place where decisions and tactics were discussed—but it also became a symbol of mystical power. Managers and players believed spending time there brought wisdom and good luck. Some visiting players would ask to step inside just for a blessing before key league matches.

10. The Curse of Benfica

One of the most enduring football superstitions is the so-called Guttmann Curse. After being sacked in 1962, manager Béla Guttmann allegedly cursed Benfica, saying they would never win another European title. Decades later, Benfica has lost eight European finals, fueling belief in the curse—even among those in the Portuguese league.

Superstitions by League: A Quick Look

• Premier League: Ince’s shirt ritual, Touré’s delays, Gerrard’s matchday habits.

• Serie A: Gattuso’s unwashed socks, Pirlo’s silent meditation.

• La Liga: Ronaldo’s right-foot-first approach, Messi’s sock alignment.

• Ligue 1: Blanc’s kissing ritual, lucky armbands.

• Eredivisie: Cruyff’s chewing gum, inverted warm-ups.

• Saudi League: Prayer routines, specific stadium entry gates.

• World Cup: Nations sticking to room numbers, mascot dolls for good luck.

Are Superstitions Still Relevant in Modern Football?

With data analytics and sports science dominating modern football, you might assume superstitions are outdated. Yet even in the most high-tech leagues, players still hang onto their rituals. Why? Because football is as much psychological as it is physical.

Superstitions provide a sense of control in an unpredictable game. Whether it’s a sock, a slap, or a silent prayer, if it helps a player believe—they’ll keep doing it.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Rituals, Embrace the League

Superstitions in football may seem weird, but they show the human side of the sport—where belief, passion, and identity collide. Whether it’s in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, or even the Saudi League, every league has its share of legendary rituals.

So as fans, let’s celebrate these quirks, cheer our teams, and support our favorite league with pride.
Because behind every league champion is a ritual only they understand.