Do Superstitions Make a Better Athlete?

Superstitions in Sport: Silly or Essential?

Superstitions don’t make you run faster, shoot better, or become stronger. Yet, for some reason, they make you feel more settled. Some call them silly, but for many athletes, they are a crucial step in preparation. My Personal Superstition as a Footballer I’ve carried one for as long as I can remember: I always tie my left boot laces first before stepping onto the pitch. It started as a small habit, but over time it became extremely important to me. It doesn’t change how I strike a ball, but it changes how I feel; calm, focused, and ready.

Team Rituals: Belief in Unity

Back in college, my team had a superstition that went beyond individuals. We all had our own separate quirks, but when the pressure was highest, we united under one ritual. During every penalty shootout, whenever an opponent stepped up, we all crossed our legs and clenched our fists—players, substitutes, and even friends in the stands. It might sound strange, but it brought belief. That year, we won six shootouts, three of them finals. Looking back, I don’t know if it truly helped us win, but it never felt like coincidence.

Famous Athletes and Their Superstitions

Even the greatest athletes in the world carry rituals that give them mental strength:

• LeBron James – Performs his iconic chalk toss before every game. To fans its showmanship, but to him, it’s the moment he signals readiness to dominate.

• Rafael Nadal – Perhaps the most ritual-driven athlete in sports. From carefully lining up his water bottles to adjusting his shorts and tucking his hair before every point, Nadal’s consistency in routine helps him maintain focus.

• Cristiano Ronaldo – Steps onto the pitch with his right foot first and leaps into the air. It’s his trademark way of saying, I’m ready.

The Psychology of Superstitions in Sport

What I’ve come to realize is that superstitions aren’t about luck—they’re about control. Sport is unpredictable. In high-pressure situations, where outcomes feel uncertain, rituals give athletes comfort and confidence. Athletes are always searching for ways to control the uncontrollable. Maybe these rituals don’t change the outcome of the game—but they change you. They make you feel ready. And sometimes, belief itself is the difference between winning and losing.