8 weird pre-game football rituals

Who has to always have a fresh haircut?

Published 23rd Oct 2015

Some people have lucky charms, these footballers have rituals that they believe will help them win the game. We've put together 8 of the weirdest...

1. Kolo Toure - Last man out He would always have to be the last player to leave the locker room. However this ritual once got him booked after he ambled on to the pitch 30 seconds late for a Champions League tie against Roma.

2. Laurent Blanc and Fabian Barthez - Head kissing During the '98 World Cup the captain would run over and kiss goalkeeper Barthez on his bald head. Before the final Blanc was suspended, Frank Leboeuf stepped in and France went on to win.

3. Sergio Goycochea - Taking a whiz Not pre-game but pre-penalty, the Argentina goalkeeper would have a wee before every penalty he faced. When he dried up before the final against Germany, his weeing and winning streak ended after they conceded a pen and lost the game.

4. Malvin Kamara - Willy Wonka watching Before every game he insists on watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, claiming it eases his nerves. He was keen everyone know it was the original, not the Johnny Depp remake.

5. John Terry - That seat is taken He always sits in the same place on the bus and listens to the same CD as well, has nobody introduced him to digital listening?

6. Christiano Ronaldo - Never a bad hair day He reportedly will not play a game unless he’s had a fresh hair cut.

7. Leighton Baines - Lace up Before each match the left back walks onto the field and unties and reties his shoelaces.

8. Iker Casillas - Socks inside out The spanish goalkeeper wore his socks inside-out during matches for years. He's said to have abandoned that but now still touches the crossbar every time his team scores.

Do you have any rituals before you cheer on your team?