Do prayers help players? (1 Viewer)

[Coventry La La La]

At the Champions League final there is likely to be evidence of faith, with players making the sign of the cross and other religious gestures. But does belief really boost sporting performance?

All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, the world's greatest footballer, when he walks out with Barcelona in the Champions League final. If you watch carefully, you may see him crossing himself as he strides onto the pitch.

On the opposing side, Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has been known to pray on the pitch.

Messi and Hernandez are not the only footballers to reveal their beliefs during the pursuit of their sport. Real Madrid star Kaka has often talked about his faith, praying on the pitch and thanking God for his rapid recovery from a broken back.

Other sportsmen, from Muhammad Ali to Jonathan Edwards, the triple jumper, have also spoken about the power of faith. They believe in different theologies, but all would assert they have benefited from their convictions. As Ali put it in the build-up to his clash with George Foreman in 1974:

"How can I lose with Allah on my side?"

What do you guys think? I personally don't believe in God so I don't think the player praying could enhance their performance.

 

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[Marty]

If you believe in religion what ever one you decide to follow then you're an idiot.

 

[Regis87]

Well said Marty , load of bollocks . There is no god .

 

[Cobi Jones's Dreads]

If you believe in religion what ever one you decide to follow then you're an idiot.

Well said that man.

 

[Macca]

If believing in something does it for you and you are not hurting anybody then why not.

I think if you make vast sweeping statements you are an idiot

And no I don't have religion myself. Lot of questions to answer though isn't there?

 

[flammablepiss]

Haha maybe it does for them. At Nou camp they actually have a little chapel in the stadium for players to prayer before the match.

 

[bamalamafizzfazz]

Didn't help Hernandez on Saturday. His only contributions were being office on every other attack.

 

[egastap]

If believing in something does it for you and you are not hurting anybody then why not.

I think if you make vast sweeping statements you are an idiot

And no I don't have religion myself. Lot of questions to answer though isn't there?

Well said Macca. I am a Humanist, so don't believe in any God(s), but I guess for those who NEED a God in their life to make them believe they are better people, then fair enough. I don't concur with some statements above about people who have to believe in a God are idiots.....they need that crutch to get through their life. Fortunately, I don't.

 

[canningt]

i think it makes them psychologically think they are going to play better if they feel god is on their side

 

[Coventry La La La]

Clinton Morrison always used to pray to god it clearly didn't make a good footballer.

 

[rob9872]

People can do what they long as long as they don't impose it on me. Religious extremists whateever their persuasion are trouble. PEople who hide behind religion (like paedo priests) are even worse. For the vast majority if that's how they find peace or their release then good luck to them. I prefer football as my chosen religion but each to their own.

 

[Covstu]

Believe in god or not, its doesnt matter as long as it gets you throuigh the day. My mum believes in god, i dont but it gets her through hard times so it is good to have faith. You have idiots who use it as a weapon to start wars but that isnt religion in my book, its just idtio zealots with no opinion of their own.

 

[Houchens Head]

I was raised by Catholic Nuns. Anyone who knows me will know my views on religion. (read my autobiography). However, I DO respect other peoples beliefs whatever religion they may be, just as long as they don't try to preach their beliefs and try to convert me. They will get a SERIOUS knuckle sandwich!