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Why do some footballers refuse to touch trophies before finals?

Explained by SportCells · 27 June 2026 · 3 min read

Why do some footballers refuse to touch trophies before finals?

Footballers often refuse to touch trophies before finals due to superstition, believing it may bring misfortune, with some teams avoiding the conference finals trophy to focus on the main prize.

Some footballers refuse to touch trophies before finals because of a superstition that it could bring misfortune or bad luck to their team. This belief is not unique to football, as it is also seen in other sports like hockey, where teams may avoid touching the conference finals trophy.

History of the Superstition

The idea that touching a trophy could somehow bring misfortune adds a layer of drama and mystery to the sport. This superstition has been around for a while, with teams in various sports avoiding the trophy before the final game. In hockey, for example, teams may avoid touching the conference finals trophy, as it is not the main prize, which is the Stanley Cup.

The "Touching the Trophy Curse"

This curse has been debated among fans and players, with some believing it to be true and others seeing it as just a myth. However, the fact that some teams have avoided touching the trophy before the final game suggests that there may be some truth to the superstition.

Examples in Football and Hockey

In football, some teams may avoid touching the trophy before the final game, while in hockey, teams may avoid touching the conference finals trophy. For example, the Carolina Hurricanes chose not to touch the Prince of Wales trophy after winning the conference finals. Historically, the decision to not touch or touch the trophy doesn't have much consistency in terms of outcome, with some teams winning the main prize after touching the trophy and others losing.

Conclusion

The superstition surrounding touching trophies before finals is a fascinating aspect of sports. While there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that touching the trophy brings misfortune, the fact that some teams avoid doing so suggests that there may be some truth to the superstition. For more information on football and the FIFA World Cup 2026, visit our football page or check out the latest World Cup 2026 news.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

The "touching the trophy curse" is a superstition in sports, especially in football, where it's believed that touching or interacting with the trophy before winning it could bring bad luck.

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