Ben Chilwell reveals his absolutely bizarre pre-match routine and superstitions

Ben Chilwell has revealed his pre-match routine and superstitions, and – to be quite honest – it’s absolutely bizarre. 

You might think that a high-performance athlete would have a carefully controlled and crafted plan and every detail would be controlled down to the milligram, but you’d be wrong. 

After all, we all know that footballers are famously creatures of habit and superstition. 

Ben Chilwell’s unusual pre-match routine is quite something

Now at RC Strasbourg, the former Chelsea and England full back spoke with French sports publication L’Equipe to discuss how he has adjusted to life in Ligue 1 and more. 

Aside from the usual stuff like getting focused before a game and getting plenty of sleep – he says he can ‘sleep on a clothesline’ – the 2020-21 Champions League winner revealed some of the more… unusual ways he prepares for a game. 

So, here’s what happens once he gets into the changing room.

Chilwell said: “First, I take a shot of energy drink. I never eat anything. Then, I get a hamstring massage. I do my stretches, warm up.”

“And then there are my little superstitions. 

“I never wear cycling shorts under my shorts. 

“I always put the sock meant for my right foot (it has an R on it) on my left foot first. Then the other one on the right. 

“This switch comes from a match I won when I was younger, and I’ve never changed it since. 

“I put on my shoes and tie like four or five double knots because I hate it when the laces drag. 

“That used to happen a lot when I had Adidas World Cup or Copa Mundial shoes.”

Obviously not looking for a sponsorship from them, then. 

After that, it’s all pretty normal – lock in for the game. 

When Chilwell gets onto the pitch, more superstitions follow

Once he gets onto the pitch, there are other superstitions to consider, too. 

“Little things, yes. I walk onto the pitch touching the grass. I do five or ten high knees. 

“I sprint diagonally towards the fans, back and forth, before we all form a circle to get pumped up. 

“I don’t pray, I do spatial visualization. And I wait for the whistle.”

To be fair to Chilwell, he’s enjoyed a successful career, winning the Champions League, European Super Cup and Club World Cup with Chelsea, as well as the FA Cup with Crystal Palace. 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.