We’ve all seen it, the iconic image of Patrick Vieira standing tall staring into the distance proudly wearing Vicks Vaporub on the chest of his shirt. But if, like me, you always wondered what exactly that was, then wonder no longer.
Here is your answer to what the stain is on some footballers’ shirts, why footballers put Vicks VapoRub on thier shirts and whether or not Vicks actually helps in football.
Patrick Vieira with the iconic Vicks VapoRub that he wore on his shirt for every game (not snot as some people believe)
What is the Stain on Footballers’ Shirts?
Back in the day, I was a young kid who idolised Arsenal, but was always somewhat ashamed (and disgusted) about the fact that global icons like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira would frequently wipe their noses on their shirts. Did they not have tissues? How much mucus did they produce that it left a gigantic stain on their shirts and did they really need to do it just before they kicked off? My little brain just didn’t comprehend it all.
As I grew older (and somewhat wiser), I realised that the stain’s origin wasn’t from players’ nasals, but instead was something they intentionally rub on their shirts, but I still didn’t know what it was and why they did it.
ANSWER: The stain on some footballers’ shirts is Vicks VapoRub.
Why Do Some Players Have a Stain on their Football Shirts?
Okay, so the mysterious substance has been identified, but why put a messy looking stain on your shirt? Well, the answer is more scientific than you think.
ANSWER: The stain on some players’ football shirts is from Vicks VapoRub, and it’s added to the shirt due to the nasal-clearing properties of the VapoRub. It is said to clear the airwaves and reduce stufiness, to ensure air can flow clearly through the nose and mouth and into the lungs. The stain is positioned high up on the chest in order to be as close to the nose and mouth as possible. As players play the game, they will breath as usual but will intentionally inhale the vapours released by the VapoRub, meaning they’ll continuously wreap the benefits that the vapour gives off throughout the game.
What is Vicks VapoRub and Does it Help Footballers?
Vicks VapoRub is a medical ointment that was created to help ease symptoms of coughs and colds. Here are the specific symptoms it tackles:
- The build up of nasal mucus
- Sore throats
- Congestion
- Coughs brought on by colds
It can be applied to the chest, throat or back, but it can also be melted and inhaled when mixed with hot water. In terms of whether or not it helps footballers, the answer is undoubtedly yes. Given that the idea was said to be dated back to Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side, we know it’s going to have a positive effect for players. Wenger was revolutionary when he came over to England in the mid-90s as an unknown manager. His previously unheard ideas on training, dietary and fitness methods is commonly attributed to modernising the game.
Nowadays, the Vicks on the shirt is not seen as much, but other players, such as Daniel Sturridge, have also been seen adopting this method. Don’t get us wrong, Vicks on your Sunday League shirt isn’t going to turn you into prime Ronaldo. But if you’ve got a bad case of the sniffles, it might be work giving it a go to help you clean the airways and play a bit more freely.
Vini’s pregame ritual is interesting 🤔🧪
(via @realmadrid) pic.twitter.com/x2wmREDdDl
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 28, 2021
How to Use Vicks VapoRub for Football?
Using Vicks yourself is a very simple process. Below, we outline exactly how to do it during football to maximise your play:
Step 1 – Buy Vicks VapoRub and take it to you for your game (you can buy some easily online for the price of your match fees below).
Step 2 – Open the tub and apply generously to the outside of your shirt on the upper chest region five minutes before kickoff.
Step 3 – Don’t change anything while you’re playing. Don’t lean closer to your chest to try inhale it more. Don’t keep thinking about it while the game is going on. Just focus on your play and you’ll naturally inhale the Vicks.
Step 4 – Reapply a smaller amount of Vicks at half time. Be careful not to overdo it, but reapply it to ensure maximum effects continue throughout the second half.
Step 5 – Be sure to wash your shirt afterwards. Leaving Vicks on for a long time could cause staining or damage to your shirt, so make sure you bang it in the laundry as soon as your home.
Buy Vicks VapoRub and be like Patrick Vieira.
Vicks VapoRub – enhances your shirts amongst other benefits
The Science Behind Vicks VapoRub
This is not just some magic formula that players randomly chose to embrace – there is actual science backing up the VapoRub hype.
The natural ingredients are absorbed through your skin and find their way to your mucous membranes. Eucalyptus oil is just one of those said natural ingredients. This works well as it breaks up phlegm and mucus that could be blocking up your airways. Levonmenthal is another ingredient that has a lot of good uses. It slowly soaks into the skin (which we promise, isn’t as scary as it sounds) where it then dilates the blood vessels in the area in which VapoRub is applied to. What does this mean? Basically, it causes a coolness sensation at first and is then followed by a pain-killing effect. Therefore, it can also be used to ease muscle strains and tightness. The ingredient Camphor is what helps to cause that initial soothing effect.
Check out all the best football boots of 2024.
Is Vicks VapoRub Banned?
Vicks VapoRub is neither banned in a medicinal environment, nor a football environment. This means you can legally use it on the pitch at your will and will not be penalised by officials or violate any of the game’s laws.
Is Vicks VapoRub Suitable for Children?
While excessive use of Vicks VapoRub is not recommended and can cause some health issues, using it as an adult everytime you have a football game is safe. As for children, any person over the age of two can use it safely, as long as they are inhaling vapours and not consuming any of its ingredients. Children under the age of two are not recommended to consume or inhale Vicks VapoRub.
