Check out these charms that help the greatest magicians on the football field!
Sports exist on a delicate tightrope, where the difference between victory and defeat hangs by the thinnest of threads. Athletes, in their relentless pursuit of success, explore every avenue, from meticulous dieting and rigorous training to unconventional methods. In this quest for an edge on the field, pre-match rituals become a beacon of hope for the slightest advantage. While adhering to a specific seat on the team bus may seem ordinary, the extremes to which some athletes go in the name of their eccentric habits are genuinely extraordinary and, at times, downright bizarre!
While Pele is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest footballers in history, he experienced a notable decline in performance during the mid-1960s while playing for Santos. In an attempt to remedy this slump, the forward took the unusual step of hiring a detective to locate his old jersey! Surprisingly, a week later, the shirt was returned, coinciding with a resurgence in Pele's form. However, what the detective neglected to disclose was that he had failed to retrieve the specific jersey and instead provided Pele with the shirt worn in the previous match. Despite this, the legendary player regained his form and resumed scoring goals!
For several seasons while playing for La Blaugrana, Luis Suarez consistently sported a blue bandage on his right wrist, wrapping it around his thumb, despite having no apparent issues with any body part. Suarez attributed his consistent use of the bandage to a belief in its luck-bringing qualities. Over time, it became a habitual practice for him; he was rarely seen without the wrist protector, even when donning long-sleeved attire. Suarez is known for his penchant for unconventional habits, such as smelling the tattoos on his hands before stepping onto the field. These rituals have become part of Suarez's routine and are believed to bring him luck and success in matches.
When you think of Cristiano Ronaldo, the image that likely pops into your mind is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the greatest players of all time, right? It's surprising to find Ronaldo on this list because he has often emphasized his belief in hard work above all else. However, amidst his dedication, he also harbors some quirky habits. For instance, he insists on being the first player to disembark when traveling to a game by plane, and he always ensures that he is the last to leave the tunnel. Moreover, he makes it a point to step onto the pitch with his right foot first before making a jump!
John Terry even owned a 'lucky' pair of shin pads that he wore for a decade! Terry followed a set of pre-game rituals. The former Chelsea captain consistently occupied the same seat on the bus before every match. He once remarked that he is deeply committed to these beliefs, so whenever they win a game, he incorporates it into his next routine. Additionally, he had a habit of tapping his socks precisely three times.
The midfield maestro Cesc Fàbregas had a ritual of kissing a ring given to him by his wife four times (his lucky number) before taking it off. Although he claimed not to be particularly tied to practices involving magical beliefs, he believed this routine brought him good luck.
While these rituals might appear trivial or even foolish to some, they serve as motivation for these absolute legends to play in challenging conditions. These quirky habits or beliefs in charms may not align with logic, yet they play a crucial role in shaping mindsets – and that's the most important thing!
