Pelé’s Lucky Charm: How a Missing Shirt Changed His Game
Footballers are a superstitious bunch, but few stories highlight the power of belief like Pelé’s missing lucky charm—his football shirt.
During the mid-1960s, Pelé (arguably the best footballer of all time) noticed a dip in his performance. He convinced himself that it was linked to a shirt he had worn during a successful run of matches—one he had given away to a fan—he was desperate to get it back. He even went so far as to hire a detective to track it down.
After an extensive search, the detective returned with what Pelé believed was his lucky shirt. Reassured, his confidence soared, and his form improved—only later did he learn it was just a similar jersey from a previous game.
Pelé’s lucky shirt itself had no mystical powers—it was his belief that made the difference. But this raises a question: Can any object become lucky if you simply believe in it?
What’s luck got to do with it?
Some people carry a lucky coin or always wear a particular piece of jewellery, while others wouldn’t dare leave home without their ‘special’ crystal. But do these lucky charms actually work, or are we just fooling ourselves? More importantly—does it even matter?
The science of lucky charms
Research suggests that belief in luck can influence behaviour in ways that increase positive outcomes. In other words, if you think your lucky charm works, it probably does.
How belief shapes reality
The placebo effect is a well-documented psychological phenomenon where people experience real benefits simply because they believe something will help them. This applies to lucky charms, too. Studies have shown that people who believe in their lucky object perform better in tasks, purely because they feel more confident and in control.
Common lucky charms and their origins
Every culture has its own superstitions, each with fascinating (and sometimes questionable) origins:
- Rabbit’s foot 🐇 – rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, where rabbits were seen as connected to the spirit world. Oddly enough, the left hind foot of a rabbit was considered the luckiest—which makes you wonder who came up with that ranking system!
- Four-leaf clovers 🍀 – rare finds associated with good fortune and believed to ward off evil. Finding one is a 1 in 5,000 chance—about the same odds as getting a decent parking spot at the supermarket on a Saturday.
- Horseshoes 🐴 – medieval blacksmiths considered them magical, and hanging one over a doorway was believed to bring protection and luck. Just don’t hang it upside down, unless you want all your luck to ‘drain out.’
- Throwing salt over your shoulder 🧂 – Thought to blind the devil lurking behind you (which raises more questions than it answers).
- Lucky numbers 🔢 – in China, the number 8 is lucky because it sounds like the word for ‘wealth,’ while in Western cultures, 7 is often seen as lucky. Meanwhile, 13 is so unlucky that hotels and office buildings pretend it doesn’t exist.
Can someone else give you luck?
Most people assume luck is personal—something you either have or don’t. But research suggests luck can be activated externally, even if you didn’t believe in it before.
The lucky golf ball experiment
Psychologist Lysann Damisch conducted a study where golfers were told they had a “lucky” golf ball. The result? Those who believed in the lucky ball performed 35% better than those who didn’t. It wasn’t the ball itself—it was the belief that changed the outcome.
This raises an important question: if belief makes things lucky, can you borrow luck? Maybe next time you’re playing a game of chance, just convince your opponent that you have a lucky coin in your pocket. Worth a shot!
How to create your own lucky charm
Don’t have a lucky charm? No problem—just fake it ’til you make it! Here’s how to craft your very own talisman of good fortune:
1️⃣ Choose an object – Something small, portable, and not prone to suspicious looks at airport security. (A lucky crystal? Sure. A lucky chainsaw? Maybe not.)
2️⃣ Attach meaning to it – Link it to a past success or convince yourself it has mystical properties. If Pelé could believe in a random football shirt, you can believe in your lucky paperclip.
3️⃣ Reinforce the belief – Every time something good happens, give your charm a knowing nod. Found a $20 note? That’s your lucky pebble at work. Avoided stepping in dog poo? Thank your enchanted keyring. Keep reinforcing the magic, and soon enough, you’ll believe it too!
The real secret to lucky charms—Your mindset
While your lucky charm may not have magical properties, its psychological power is undeniable. Here’s the truth: Luck isn’t just about objects—it’s about mindset, actions, and recognising opportunities.
Some people seem to ‘attract’ good fortune. But what if they’re just thinking differently?
Research shows that lucky people:
✅ Expect good things to happen.
✅ Notice and act on unexpected opportunities.
✅ Trust their intuition.
✅ Bounce back quickly from setbacks.
If you’re not naturally lucky, don’t worry—you can train yourself to be.
Luck or psychology? Why belief matters
While lucky charms may not have magical properties, their psychological power is undeniable. By believing in them, you cultivate confidence, reduce anxiety, and prime yourself for success. So, whether it’s a rabbit’s foot, a crystal, or a pair of socks you refuse to wash before an important event—if it works for you, keep it.
How SHIFT Coaching can help you create your own luck
Luck isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s something you create. And that’s where SHIFT Coaching comes in.
Through my coaching, I can help you rewire your mindset for luck by:
🔹 Identifying limiting beliefs that block opportunities.
🔹 Training your brain to notice and act on synchronicities.
🔹 Developing a ‘lucky’ mindset by shifting thought patterns and expectations.
🔹 Using NLP techniques to boost confidence and intuition—so you naturally attract more good fortune.
You don’t need a lucky rabbit’s foot (which, frankly, wasn’t so lucky for the rabbit). You just need to shift the way you think, act, and perceive the world.
Want more luck in your life? Let’s make it happen
If you’re ready to stop relying on lucky charms and start creating your own luck, let’s chat.
Book your SHIFT Coaching today and learn how to rewire your mindset for success, confidence, and more opportunities.
Because real luck? It starts in your head.
Lastly
Whether you swear by lucky socks or scoff at superstition, one thing is clear: Your mindset shapes your luck.
So, why leave things to chance?
If you want to start creating your own luck—without relying on lost football shirts—SHIFT Coaching can help you develop the mindset, confidence, and awareness to invite more opportunities into your life.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do lucky charms actually work?
Not in a magical sense, but belief in them can boost confidence and performance, which may lead to better results.
2. What’s the best lucky charm?
There’s no ‘best’ lucky charm—it’s about what you believe in. The more meaning you attach to it, the more effective it becomes.
3. Can I create my own lucky charm?
Absolutely! Choose an object, attach positive meaning, and reinforce the belief that it brings you luck.
4. Do lucky numbers really bring good fortune?
Numbers hold symbolic meaning in different cultures, but whether they bring luck depends on your belief in them.
5. What if I don’t believe in lucky charms?
That’s fine! Luck is more about mindset and openness to opportunities than objects. If a luck charm doesn’t resonate with you, focus on fostering a lucky attitude instead.
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Tags: anchoring, Beliefs and values, Manifestation, Spirituality, Thinking and mindset
