Top goalkeepers including Onana, Neuer and Pickford have been spotted with Vaseline on their gloves. Research shows that adding Vaseline to gloves can improve control. This makes it a viable strategy for professional goalkeepers. So why do goalkeepers put Vaseline on their gloves? Let’s find out with PHLOVE in the following article.
why do goalkeepers put Vaseline on their gloves
Perhaps applying Vaseline is especially useful in wet weather. And helps players to be less slippery when catching the ball
The basic reason is to help goalkeepers get more grip on the ball. Especially in wet conditions As we mentioned, it was raining at the Theatre of Dreams when Onana was seen adding the product to his gloves. And the harsh weather in Manchester may have been one reason why United’s No. 1 decided to apply Vaseline.
Interestingly, popular commentary on the sport of football. Clearly states that there is no obvious benefit to adding Vaseline to goalkeeper gloves in dry weather, however, as professional pitches are heavily watered. So it makes sense that ‘Caretakers will use Vaseline even when it’s not raining.’
So using Vaseline on gloves should be done in wet conditions. Not in dry conditions. There is no enhancement in dry conditions. However, in wet weather performance will actually improve. The reason why professionals use it so often is because the court is heavily watered before and during play.
Hart appears to have been wearing Vaseline at the 2014 World Cup
In a conversation with Ben Wilson, former Coventry City goalkeeper Ben Foster revealed that he had seen Joe. Hart apply Vaseline to his gloves for the first time at the 2014 World Cup. The former England goalkeeper was quoted by The Athletic as saying: “I remember the first player I saw do it. It was Joe. The heart of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup.”
“He put Vaseline on his gloves and said, ‘Fozzy, really, it changes the game!’”
Foster added: “It’s hard to explain. But if we were in a training session? I could tell what kind of Vaseline was on my gloves. Because as soon as you catch the ball it feels more sticky.”
Goalkeepers Even Apply Vaseline to Their Goalposts
Andries Noppert did it at the 2022 World Cup. Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert took it a step further at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by applying Vaseline to his goalposts. His decision to spread the word on his posts was probably so he wouldn’t have to open the pot every time he wanted to refill his gloves.
Considering some of the best goalkeepers in the world use Vaseline on their gloves. Especially in wet weather. It’s safe to say that this trend will continue to grow in the coming years and critics will question its benefits. But the likes of Onana and Neuer wouldn’t do it if they felt it increased their chances of making mistakes.
Similar to why top professional players have to wear socks. Footballers are always looking for new and innovative ways to gain an edge on the field. Adding Vaseline to goalkeeper gloves may be another trend that’s here to stay.
The End
A big question that many football fans are asking on social media is why do goalkeepers put Vaseline on their gloves, which is beneficial for professional goalkeepers. Surely applying Vaseline will make the gloves more slippery? thereby increasing the ability to catch the ball more difficult? What do you think is the reason? Leave a comment below.