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Why Rodrigo De Paul eats candies before World Cup matches: The emotional story behind it
🇦🇷 Argentina /Sports

Why Rodrigo De Paul eats candies before World Cup matches: The emotional story behind it

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul eats candies before matches as a ritual honoring his late grandfather, Osvaldo.
  • The tradition began when Osvaldo gave De Paul coins for candy, unaware they were also for his grandfather's bus fare home.
  • This gesture of sacrifice has become a collective ritual for the Argentine national team, symbolizing their bond and shared history.

A seemingly simple habit of Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes chewing candies before matches has a deeply emotional origin, connecting the Argentine national team to a profound act of familial sacrifice. This ritual, often mistaken for superstition or a concentration aid, is a tribute to De Paul's late grandfather, Osvaldo.

The custom began during De Paul's early years playing youth soccer for Racing Club. His grandfather, Osvaldo, consistently accompanied him to training sessions. At the end of each session, Osvaldo would give young Rodrigo coins to buy chewy candies at the club's canteen. It wasn't until years later that De Paul understood the true significance of these coins: they were also intended to cover his grandfather's bus fare home, meaning Osvaldo often walked back.

My dad gave him some coins to buy candy when he went to train; what Rodrigo didn't know was that those coins were for the trip and my dad walked home.

— Mónica FerrarottiDe Paul's mother explained the origin of the candy ritual, revealing her father's sacrifice.

This silent sacrifice, hidden from De Paul during his childhood, left an indelible mark on him. Osvaldo passed away in 2009, never witnessing his grandson's professional debut or his pivotal role in the Argentine national team. However, De Paul feels his grandfather's presence strongly, often repeating, "The grandfather helps me, the grandfather helped me." He keeps his grandfather's memory alive through a tattoo on his left arm that reads "forever in my heart" and by kissing his wrist after scoring or entering the field.

Over time, De Paul shared this personal story with his teammates. The ritual evolved into a collective practice within the squad managed by Lionel Scaloni. It was during the 2021 Copa América, which ended Argentina's 28-year senior team title drought, that the candy-eating ritual became institutionalized. Now, it's a recognized part of the pre-game routine for players, with Paredes admitting to eating seven candies and De Paul consuming fourteen.

The grandfather helps me, the grandfather helped me.

— Rodrigo De PaulDe Paul often repeats this phrase, indicating his continued connection to his late grandfather.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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