Beliefs in football may not be part oftacticsbut they serve as psychological support that boosts players' confidence beyond their technical skills.
In football, where outcomes can change in a split second—whether from a corner kick, a long shot, a scramble near the goal, physical fitness, andtacticsalone may not suffice. Sometimes, the true secret weapon lies in small daily rituals unexplained by sports science, but rooted in superstitions players perform before matches.
Looking back at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which ended with Argentina winning their third world title, behind the success andtacticsof each team lies another side fans might not know: beliefs that form "small rituals" performed before matches. These may be seen as luck or comfort, but they also serve as methods to build focus and a sense of control amid the uncertainties and tensions of high-stakes football games.
Surprisingly, Argentina’s national team, the defending champions preparing for the 2026 World Cup across the US, Canada, and Mexico, has goalkeeper Dibu Martinez who carries a small belief that helped him become an outstanding keeper—a teddy bear attached to his shin guard. This bear was a gift from his wife before the World Cup, accompanied by a message saying,"You will bring the golden trophy home."
Additionally, Dibu follows routines like Pilates and yoga two days before games, praying before matches, and consulting with his personal sports psychologist.
Interestingly, even Lionel Messi, who is known not to be very superstitious and often wears whatever is nearby,
finds confidence by gathering with teammates to drink mate tea, usually around 9 a.m. in his room, often with his so-called bodyguard Rodrigo De Paul.
De Paul recalled once waking up at 10 a.m., missing the tea ritual with Messi, which caused Messi to frown at him. Another comfort for Messi is that, normally, he sleeps alone in the hotel room, but before the World Cup final against France in Qatar, he invited Sergio Agüero to stay overnight.
Other Argentine teammates from the 2021 Copa America winning squad, including De Paul himself, Leandro Paredes (also on the 2026 World Cup team), and Alejandro “Papu” Gomez, have the habit of eating candy before matches dating back to their Copa America victory.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal, has a ritual many may not notice: he always steps onto the pitch with his right foot first. While he says it’s more about discipline and habit than superstition, this consistency has become his signature.
Such beliefs are widespread. John Terry once said he always sat in the same seat on Chelsea’s team bus and listened to the same Usher album. He also had a favorite pair of shin guards he believed brought luck, which he used for ten seasons. David Beckham had a superstition of arranging condiments and items perfectly in his refrigerator before leaving home for a match.
Perhaps the most iconic memory is the 1998 French World Cup-winning team, where defender Laurent Blanc would kiss goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s forehead before every match, becoming a symbol of the team’s unity and success.
Going further back, the “Flying Dutchman” Johan Cruyff, the Netherlands legend, would spit chewing gum toward the opponent’s side and pat goalkeeper Gert Bals’ stomach before games during his time at Ajax Amsterdam—another small football superstition.
Ultimately, whether it’s a teddy bear on a shin guard, morning tea rituals, or stepping onto the pitch with the right foot first, these acts share one explanation: football is an unpredictable game, and these small beliefs serve as anchors that help players feel steady amid pressure before stepping onto the field.
Sources:Goal,Sportbible,GiveMeSport