Superstitions That Ignite Controversy

Sometimes, rumors mix with superstition. In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, a photo of the Ivorian goalkeeper with an amulet sparked a wave of theories on social media. After Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast, some Nigerian fans accused the opponent of using witchcraft. Supposedly, there was no voodoo or juju—just football. Yet a single image was enough to ignite controversy, as African football has many cases of magic being claimed to favor or harm one team or another.

Information: Another Game on the Field

Beyond the world of spells and charms, not everything is played on the pitch. Alongside tactics, technique, and passion, there is another game, subtler but equally influential: the game of information. Controlling the narrative, dominating headlines, and managing rumors can sometimes be as important as scoring a goal.

Teams with media power often take advantage of it. They can use the press or social media to spread rumors meant to unsettle rivals. A recent example was the supposed interest of Real Madrid in Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s central defender. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the rumor was leaked to a reporter at Diario AS from the club’s environment, just before a key match between the two teams. The objective was clear: generate uncertainty in the English locker room. But the attempt failed. Van Dijk not only stayed focused, but also neutralized Mbappé, who barely managed a shot on goal.

Rumors, Social Media, and the Transfer Market

With social media, the phenomenon has multiplied. Today, misinformation spreads at record speed. A MIT study revealed that false news spreads six times faster than the truth and is 70% more likely to be shared.

During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, 52 false news stories were reported about Messi, 29 about Cristiano Ronaldo, 6 about Neymar, and 2 about Mbappé. In football, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid also plays out in this arena, like two ancient warships firing media cannons at each other.

Not all rumors are born from malice. Some are used as a market tactic. Spreading that a player is “available” can attract buyers or accelerate negotiations. In other cases, supposed signings for the same position are leaked to pressure the selling club and lower the price. Even players participate in this game, posting ambiguous messages on social media—a mysterious photo, an emoji, or a cryptic phrase—to fuel speculation and, perhaps, increase their value. As Gary Lineker said: “90% of transfer stories are just guesses hoping to be right.”

The Shadow That Distorts the Sport

Misinformation has become part of the spectacle, but also a shadow that distorts the sport. Fake transfers, invented rumors, and baseless theories distract from what truly matters: the game itself. Because in the end, what we want to see are not misleading headlines, but goals, effort, and genuine excitement. Enough rumors. Let the ball speak, and the spirits of football legends of the past.