Brits’ prime 30 sports activities superstitions – together with ‘fortunate pants’ and ‘particular socks’

Nearly half of sport fans genuinely believe that their routines can determine whether their team will win or lose

According to a recent survey sports fans have a range of unusual game-day rituals, that they believe can directly influence the outcome of the match.

These habits can range from wearing lucky shirts and special socks to always sitting in the same spot on the sofa.

The survey of 2,000 sports fans revealed that 56% have a game-day superstition. Top of the list include wearing what are considered ‘lucky pants’ and avoiding pavement cracks on game day – a common superstition.

Other traditions involve crossing fingers for luck during the match, switching off phones to “focus energy,” and only drinking from a specific cup or bottle while watching. Almost one in 10 fans (8%) even stick to the same pre-match meal to keep their lucky streak going.

Although 36% consider themselves superstitious in general, a fifth admitted that most game-day rituals were more about tradition than significantly influencing the outcome of games.

The study was commissioned by NERDS candy, which has teamed up with the National Football League (NFL) to celebrate the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons in the UK and Ireland.

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Kevin Massie, UK country manager at Ferrara Candy UK, highlighted the link between sports and food in helping fans prepare for game day. “Food plays a big role in sporting moments,” he said.

“Whether it’s stocking up on your favourite candy for match-time snacks or a lucky pre-match meal, we know everyone has their own unique superstitions to help with match-day jitters.”

NERDS is also offering fans the opportunity to bag NFL London game tickets. All they need to do is spot the brand’s Gummy Monster in London next week.

Interestingly, 24% of fans confessed they would ditch their rituals after a lengthy losing streak, while 16% said they’d quit if their habits didn’t seem to be effective.

Take a look at the top 30 game-day rituals:

1. Wearing a ‘lucky shirt’
2. Sitting on the same spot on the sofa
3. Wearing lucky socks
4. Crossing fingers while watching the game
5. Avoiding looking directly at the screen during penalties or key moments
6. Standing up or sitting down at crucial moments
7. Turning off phone to “focus energy” on the game
8. Bringing a specific flag, scarf, or piece of memorabilia to every match
9. Drinking from a specific cup or bottle
10. Following a set route to the game venue or pub
11. Avoiding mentioning the game to anyone beforehand
12. Wearing lucky pants
13. Listening to the same pre-game song or playlist
14. Always arriving at the stadium or turning on the TV at the same time
15. Rubbing a lucky item (like a charm or bracelet) for good luck
16. Carrying a lucky coin
17. Sticking to a specific routine during a winning streak – even if it means not showering or shaving
18. Repeating a chant or phrase three times before the game starts
19. Keeping a game ticket or programme in their pocket or wallet
20. Eating a specific “lucky meal” on game day
21. Eating the same sweets during every match
22. Holding a specific object (like a plush toy or stress ball) during the match
23. Avoiding cracks in the pavement before a game
24. Watching the game alone if the team won last time
25. Tying shoelaces in a particular way on game day
26. Avoiding certain foods eaten before a loss
27. Tapping the remote or other object a specific number of times before the game
28. Avoiding people they watched with during a loss
29. Wearing mismatched socks if it worked once for a win
30. Keeping a specific number of lights on or off in the room during the game