Mario Zagallo holds the distinction of being the first individual to win the World Cup both as a player and as a coach. His belief in the influence of the number 13 on achieving such successes is notable. This tendency toward belief in non-empirical factors extends to other football figures.
For instance, Raymond Domenech, the former coach of the French national team, reportedly factored astrology into his squad selection for the 2010 World Cup, expressing particular reservations regarding players associated with the Scorpio and Leo signs. The incorporation of such beliefs is not unique to the French footballing culture. Historically, superstitions have been observed within the sport.
A notable example occurred during the 1998 World Cup, where Laurent Blanc, a Frenchman, reportedly kissed the bare head of goalkeeper Fabien Barthez before every match. Given France’s subsequent victory in the tournament, these rituals were viewed by many as contributing to their success. These instances illustrate a recurring theme in the context of major international sporting events.
While athletic performance relies on skill and training, the surrounding atmosphere—including rituals, personal beliefs, and perceived luck—often becomes part of the narrative surrounding the World Cup. These anecdotal accounts demonstrate how superstitions can intersect with high-stakes competition, adding a layer of human element to the global stage of football.
Topics: #world #cup #superstitions
