If you have ever watched soccer, you may have tryed to figure out: why do soccer players put finger in mouth?
Well the whole idea around it is a little strange.
Especially to any spectators who are watching.
Just because it seems so unrelated to the game.
It may make you think, why aren’t you just getting on with the game?
However, hear me out.
This action does in fact have a purpose.
Which is mainly for performing a celebration
What are these?
In this post, I will take you through each of these.
Table of Contents
Explanation of the behavior
Players will put their fingers to their mouth when they score a goal.
This won’t happen every time, as each player has their own go-to celebration.
However, a lot of players like to put their fingers in the mouth.
Either to provoke a reaction out of the crowd.
Or to dedicate that goal to someone specific.
For example when footballers put their finger in their mouth like a baby after scoring.
It can be to dedicate a goal, to a newborn child in their family.
However to give you another example.
If a player puts their finger over their mouth, making a shush gesture.
It can be to provoke a reaction out of the opposing players.
Or fans.
Examples Of Footballers Putting Their finger In The Mouth
There are many examples of footballers who have taken to putting their finger in their mouth during the game.
So lets have a look at a few examples of these now:
Robinho
Robinho may not be in the spotlight as much as he used to be.
Spending most of his life tearing defenses apart.
The Brazilian winger featured for many clubs from AC Milan and Real Madrid to Manchester City.
Something the tricky wideman made his signature move was putting his finger in his mouth after scoring a goal.
In fact, the player got known for doing this and made it a thing by doing it for the majority of goals he scored.
Here is a video of the now 38-year-old doing it:
Carlos Tevez
Another great who has recently become to the end of his career is Carlos Tevez, who frequently used the finger in mouth celebration.
In fact, the potent Argentinian, who was regarded as one of the most clinical of his generation.
Would even go as far as getting an actual dummy out to imitate a baby.
This sounds absolutely nuts, and you can see a clip of him taking a dummy out below.
However, there is some sense to it, with his partner giving birth at the time to a Daughter.
Hence not only the baby celebration but the pink dummy coming out after his goal against Birmingham City.
Alejandro Garnacho
Moving to more current teams and with a player for the future, Alejandro Garnacho is another player who was seen putting a finger in his mouth,
Has you can see below, he put his thumb in his mouth after celebrating with teammates to celebrate his girlfriend giving birth.
Are You Allowed To Put Your Finger In Your Mouth Playing Football?
Putting your finger in your mouth is accepted, with no punishments for doing so.
The only time you will see a footballer being told off.
Likely with a yellow card, is when they celebrate taking their shirt off in the process.
Just like with the Garnacho clip above.
However, generally, this is allowed, even though it may not be the most hygienic thing for a footballer to do.
Conclusion
So there you have it, there are a few reasons why a footballer will stick a finger in their mouth on the field.
While I personally try to stay away from that action, you can see why a player would do it.
Especially if there celebrating, to dedicate it to a loved one.
Or just because it’s a signature celebration that they have made their own.
Which seemed to be the case for Tevez.
One notable story involves Lionel Messi.
During a penalty shootout in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final, he was seen putting his finger in his mouth before taking a shot.
It is believed that this gesture helped him stay focused under pressure. He scored the penalty and led Argentina to victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do soccer players put their finger in their mouth?
1. Q: Why do soccer players put their finger in their mouth during a match?
A: Soccer players put their finger in their mouth to make signals to other players or to celebrate.
2. Q: Do all soccer players put their finger in their mouth?
A: No, not all soccer players put their fingers in their mouth. It is a personal choice as some players decide to communicate and celebrate in different ways.
3. Q: Is wetting the finger legal in soccer?
A: Wetting the finger is allowed in soccer as long as the player doesn’t apply any substance that could alter the ball’s condition or violate the rules of the game.
4. Q: Are there any specific rules regarding wetting the finger in soccer?
A: The rules of soccer do not specifically address wetting the finger. As long as it does not violate any other rules, it is generally allowed and considered a part of the player’s technique to enhance their performance.