Superstitions and historical curses in global sports

Sports history is marked by various superstitions and long-term curses believed by fans and athletes to influence team performance. In European soccer, Benfica has faced a century-long drought of European trophies following coach Bela Guttmann’s departure in the 1960s after a failed pay raise request.

In Argentina, Racing Club experienced a 35-year title drought following allegations that rivals buried seven black cats in their stadium. Efforts to break the curse included digging up the cats and performing exorcisms.

In United States sports, the Boston Red Sox endured an 86-year championship drought after selling Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919, a streak that ended in 2004. Other examples include the Detroit Lions' decline following the sale of Bobby Layne in 1958.