There are some crazy superstitions and lucky charms that soccer players make sure they have before any match they may play in. Some players have lucky underwear, some have to put a certain cleat on before the other and some have to step on the pitch with a certain foot first. These may seem out of the ordinary, but these are real things players make sure they stick to before each and every game or practice for good luck.
Cristiano Ronaldo has to step on the field with his right foot first and he makes sure his hair is well done before the game and during halftime. Look good, feel good, play good, right?
Legendary Pelé went through a dry spell and could not get the ball in the back of the net. The last game he scored a goal in he gave a fan a jersey, so he had the club track down the fan that got his jersey and had it returned to him. Needless to say, Pelé went on to score from then on out. Rumor has it though the staff member just gave him a regular jersey and pretended, but it was the thought that counted.
Footballers do whatever they can to have a little bit of luck, especially when they are going through a rough patch. Some female ballers such as Alex Morgan have to wear a certain color pre-wrap and some players have to have tape around their wrist with a written message on it. Many players have handshakes with teammates before starting a game, some can only sit in certain seats on the bus or, if you are like me, you have to put your shin guards on last and tie your left cleat before your right.
Lucky charms may seem more of a mental reassurance, but it also helps players get into a certain mindset that once they complete their ritual they are ready to play. The luck of the Irish may only be celebrated once a year, but the luck of a footballer occurs every time a player steps on a field.
Everyone has their own routines — whatever helps players perform at their best regardless of how crazy their superstitions may be.
