Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has left fans and football pundits in shock after revealing an unusual superstition he has followed throughout his professional career. The Brazilian shot-stopper, known for his composure on the ball and fearless goalkeeping, recently disclosed that he has worn the same pair of boxer shorts in every match for the past eight years.
This revelation surfaced during a conversation with former Newcastle United and Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given. The Irish football legend, now a pundit, was visibly taken aback by Ederson’s claim. Given, who played in the Premier League for several years, had likely encountered a variety of superstitions from players, but nothing quite as peculiar as this.
Superstitions are not uncommon in the world of football. Many players have pre-match routines, lucky charms, or specific rituals they adhere to before stepping onto the pitch. However, Ederson’s superstition is arguably one of the most unusual yet.
Speaking on BBC’s Football Focus, Ederson casually mentioned, “I have only one superstition. I play every game in the same boxer shorts.”
Shay Given, in disbelief, sought clarification. “What, the same boxer shorts for the whole season?” he asked.
With a smirk, Ederson responded, “No, eight years the same boxers.”
Given, clearly taken aback, humorously replied, “No way! They must be… not in good shape!”
Since joining Manchester City from Benfica in 2017 for a fee of £35 million, Ederson has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. His performances have been instrumental in Manchester City’s dominance in English and European football.
During his tenure at the Etihad Stadium, he has played over 350 matches and won multiple trophies, including:
Six Premier League titles
Two FA Cups
Four League Cups
One Champions League
One UEFA Super Cup
One FIFA Club World Cup
Through all these victories and historic moments, Ederson’s trusted boxer shorts have apparently remained a constant part of his journey.
Superstitions in sports often stem from a psychological need for consistency and control in a profession filled with uncertainties. Athletes face immense pressure to perform at the highest level, and some develop routines or habits they believe contribute to their success.
For Ederson, wearing the same pair of boxers might serve as a mental anchor, reinforcing a sense of confidence and familiarity before every game. Sports psychologists suggest that such rituals help players maintain focus and reduce anxiety, allowing them to concentrate fully on their performance.
While Ederson’s superstition might be one of the most peculiar, he is not alone in his beliefs. Football history is filled with similar quirky habits:
Cristiano Ronaldo always steps onto the pitch with his right foot first.
Lionel Messi touches the grass and looks up to the sky before kickoff.
John Terry reportedly wore the same shin pads for ten years.
Thierry Henry tied his shoelaces in a specific way before every match.
Pepe Reina, another famous goalkeeper, kissed the goalposts before the start of each half.
Such habits might seem odd to outsiders, but to the players who practice them, they provide a sense of control over their game.
Ederson’s revelation quickly became a trending topic on social media, with fans reacting with a mix of amusement and disbelief. Some questioned the hygiene of the superstition, while others marveled at how the goalkeeper managed to keep the boxers in wearable condition for so long.
On X (formerly Twitter), one fan wrote, “Ederson has been wearing the same boxers for eight years? That’s dedication to the game… or to his laundry routine!” Another joked, “Forget his distribution skills, keeping those boxers intact for eight years is the real achievement!”
Some fans speculated whether the undergarment superstition had any connection to Manchester City’s success over the years. “Maybe it’s the secret to Pep Guardiola’s tactics?” one user quipped.
While Ederson remains a key figure for Manchester City, recent reports suggest that his place in the squad may not be as secure as before. With increased competition from backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, Ederson has had to work harder to maintain his starting spot.
Furthermore, there have been rumors linking the Brazilian to a potential move away from the club. Reports indicate that former Manchester United and Chelsea manager José Mourinho, now in charge of Fenerbahçe, is keen on bringing Ederson to Turkey.
Despite these speculations, Ederson has remained focused on his performances, helping Manchester City fight for domestic and European glory once again this season.
If Ederson stays at Manchester City or moves elsewhere, fans will undoubtedly wonder whether he will continue his superstition. Given the success he has enjoyed over the years, it seems unlikely that he will abandon his trusted ritual anytime soon.
As long as he continues to perform at the highest level, few will question his methods. Whether it’s due to his skill, tactical awareness, or the lucky boxers, Ederson remains one of the best goalkeepers in modern football.
Football is filled with unique traditions and personal rituals, but Ederson’s eight-year commitment to wearing the same boxer shorts is among the most surprising. His superstition has become an amusing yet fascinating footnote in his career, showcasing the quirky habits even elite athletes maintain.
With Manchester City still competing on multiple fronts, fans will continue to watch Ederson closely—both for his goalkeeping heroics and for any signs that his famous superstition remains intact.
