The strict superstition Cristiano Ronaldo has followed throughout his entire career

Cristiano Ronaldo has a strict superstition which he has followed throughout his entire career but it makes total sense.

Ronaldo, now 38, has played professionally since 2002 and is known for being meticulous about his preparation for games.

For instance, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner reportedly takes five naps a day and sleeps in a fetal position to ensure he is in top physical condition for when he steps onto the pitch.

More recently, it's also emerged that Ronaldo paints his toenails black - something which MMA fighters do - in order to add protective layer to prevent nails from fungi and bacteria.

But his true superstition, which he has retained from his very early doors at Sporting CP, involves trophies. Ronaldo has lifted 32 trophies for club and country in a glittering stint at the highest level but has a policy whereby he doesn't touch silverware beforehand.

“I never touch the trophies, never,” Ronaldo revealed in an interview with a FIFA representative.

“It brings you bad luck.”

Ronaldo's comments came before the 2017 Confederations Cup, where Portugal finished third after losing on penalties to Chile in the semi-finals.

There is a worrying coincidence, or "curse" of players touching trophies prior to big finals but then looking a little silly when they lose.

Dimitri Payet did it ahead of the 2018 Europa League final, which Marseille lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid.

Both Kaka and Gennaro Gattuso also broke the golden rule ahead of AC Milan's Champions League final collapse at the hands of Liverpool in the classic 2005 final.

Liverpool came from 3-0 down to win on penalties in Istanbul, with goalkeeping Jerzy Dudek the hero.

Ronaldo could well be heading for a second trophyless season after his Al Nassr side were knocked out of the King Cup of Champions at the semi-final stage.

The Portuguese superstar also tasted defeats in two Super Cup fixtures and are currently three points behind Saudi Pro League leaders Al Ittihad, who also have a game in hand.

He has never gone two consecutive seasons without winning a trophy.

Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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